# NTSB LAX87DUJ06: Davis Midget Mustang, N7SD, Kirkland, AZ, July 3, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1987, 12:58 local (19:58 UTC)
- Place: Kirkland, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.289134, -112.660423 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2891&lon=-112.6604&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25310
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DUJ06
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25310/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DUJ06

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A LOW LEVEL AEROBATIC FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN AFTER COMPLETING A ROLL. THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS REPORTED. THE PLT PERFORMED THE LAST ROLL IN VIEW OF TWO FRIENDS DRIVING IN A CAR NEAR THE ACC SCENE. SEVERAL MANEUVERS WERE PERFORMED OVER THE CAR AND DURING THE RECOVERY FROM THE LAST ROLL THE FRIENDS SAW THE ACFTS BELLY HIT THE GROUND. THE AIRPLANE HIT A 4 FT DEEP DEPRESSION IN THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7SD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7SD-1987-07-03), registration cancelled 1987-07-03, S/N 762, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DAVIS MIDGET MUSTANG (MIDGET MUS)
- Registry model: [Davis MIDGET MUSTANG](https://openairdocs.org/model/davis-midget-mustang) (registry code 0562324) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 762
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Knuth, Theodore R.
- Registered owner: Jon Quick
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: PRC, PRESCOTT, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,200 total, 180 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 14 knots, gusting 21
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PRC, 22 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870703032039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870703032039A), Jul 3, 1987: Amtrbb MUSTANGMIDGT, Kirkland, AZ, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Collided with the ground while doing low level rolls over a car traveling on a highway. Aircraft belly hit ground.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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