# NTSB LAX98LA220: Bushby Mustang II, N7LP, Livermore, CA, July 3, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 3, 1998, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC) - Place: Livermore, CA - Coordinates: 37.680694, -121.750556 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6807&lon=-121.7506&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report March 31, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 30137 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX98LA220 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30137/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA220 ## Probable cause An inadequate inspection of the flight control system during the condition inspection by the check pilot/mechanic. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - missing (cause) - flt control syst,elevator control cable/rod - disconnected (cause) - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause) - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - elevator - not available, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - runway - stall/mush - encountered, pilot in command ## Analysis The purpose of the flight was to conduct a biennial flight review. No discrepancies were noted with the flight controls during the preflight inspection, the ensuing taxi to refuel the airplane, or during the run-up and takeoff roll. After takeoff, the pilot could not establish pitch control of the airplane, and was instructed to abort the takeoff. He shutdown the engine and turned off the fuel, master, and ignition switches in preparation for a hard landing. The airplane impacted the runway and ricocheted above the runway; the airplane then stalled and impacted the runway in a wings level attitude. The pilot stated that the push pull torque tube control quadrant was connected to the control yoke through a bellcrank with a bolt, which was housed underneath the fuel selector floorboards. Examination of this area revealed that the bolt was missing, and was not located during the ensuing search. The check pilot was also the mechanic who had conducted the last annual inspection on the airplane the day of the flight. He stated that he had completed a condition inspection of the airplane prior to the biennial flight review and did not recall removing or tightening any bolts in the flight control system area. ## Factual narrative On July 3, 1998, at 1530 hours Pacific daylight time, an experimental Bushby Mustang II, N7LP, entered into a descent in the takeoff initial climb from runway 25R at the Livermore, California, airport following the separation of the elevator control tube from the control yoke. The aircraft impacted the runway and subsequently departed the left side of the pavement. The aircraft, operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot/owner received serious injuries; the check pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the biennial flight review and no flight plan was filed. The pilot stated that a preflight inspection was conducted with no discrepancies noted. He reported that prior to the flight he taxied to the fuel area, again with no discrepancies noted in the controls. He stated that the nose tank holds 25 gallons of fuel. Approximately 10 gallons was already onboard and he refueled with an additional 13 gallons. The pilot reported that a run-up was conducted, once again with no discrepancies noted with the controls. He taxied the aircraft into position for takeoff. On the takeoff roll he stated that his airspeed was approximately 70 miles per hour (mph) when he raised the tail off the runway. He stated that normal rotation is approximately 80-90 mph. As he pushed the controls forward to bring the tail off the runway, "the nose came up and left us oscillating wildly in pitch." The pilot reported that the check pilot instructed him to abort the flight. He stated that he had no pitch control and was approximately 100 feet above the runway. The pilot reported that he shut down the engine and turned off the fuel, master, and ignition switches in preparation of a hard landing. He stated that the aircraft struck the runway and ricocheted 50 feet above the runway. The pilot stated that at 20 feet above the runway there was no airspeed and the aircraft impacted the runway at a level attitude. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector interviewed both of the pilots and examined the aircraft. The pilot stated that before takeoff and during the run-up, he had elevator control. He reported that the check pilot performing the biennial flight review was also the aircraft mechanic who had performed the last annual inspection. The pilot reported that a bolt from the push pull torque tube control quadrant was missing. The push pull torque tube is connected to the yoke via a bellcrank and is located underneath the fuel selector floorboard (photograph appended to the report). In an interview with the check pilot/mechanic, he stated that he had completed a condition inspection of that area prior to the biennial flight review. He reported that he did not recall removing or tightening any bolts in that area. The FAA inspector reported that the aircraft had been moved prior to his arrival. His examination revealed a missing bolt in the push pull torque tube control quadrant area. The FAA inspector conducted a search for the missing bolt, but was unable to locate it. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7LP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7LP-1999-01-15), registration cancelled 1999-01-15, S/N 2 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bushby MUSTANG II - Registry model: [Hall-Bushby MUSTANG II](https://openairdocs.org/model/hall-bushby-mustang-ii) (registry code 16901VL) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 2 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Jacek S. Romanski - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1998, 1 hours before - Departed: LVK - Airport: LVK, Livermore Muni, runway 25R, 5,255 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 49; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 5,000 total, 500 in this make and model, 3,700 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 59 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: LVK ## 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 19980703015879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980703015879A), Jul 3, 1998: Amtr MUSTANG2, Livermore, CA, Substantial damage. Acft lost control and crashed on takeoff, Livermore, CA. (.4)the purpose of the flight was to conduct a biennial flight review. No discrepancies were noted… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.