# NTSB MKC82DA062: Homebuilt Mustang II, N53BL, Ames, IA, April 25, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 25, 1982, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Ames, IA
- Coordinates: 42.019351, -93.619705 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0194&lon=-93.6197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69763
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82DA062
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69763/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82DA062

## Sequence of events

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

- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - touch-and-go - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,main gear attachment - failure,partial (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE SECOND LANDING THE LEFT MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY INTO A SOFT FLAT FIELD. INVESTIGATION REVEALED VERY LITTLE PENETRATION TO THE PARENT METAL AT THE GEAR ATTACHMENT POINTS ON BOTH SIDES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N53BL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N53BL), registered now, S/N 589, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HOMEBUILT MUSTANG II
- Registry model: [Low Robert H MUSTANG-II](https://openairdocs.org/model/low-robert-h-mustang-ii) (registry code 1690443) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-320-E2D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-320-e2d) (registry code 42123, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 589
- Airframe hours: 20
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Low
- Registered owner: Robert Low
- Departed: DES MOINES, IA
- Destination: AMES, IA
- Airport: AMW, Municipal, runway 13, 3,500 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 407 total, 349 in this make and model, 407 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 149 °F

## 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 19820425026949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820425026949A), Apr 25, 1982: Amtrbb MUSTANG2, Ames, IA, Substantial damage. Left landing gear broke off at attach point on landing. Improper welds. No penetration of parent metal.

## Other investigations on N53BL (1)

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.

- [NTSB MKC84LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA090), Feb 25, 1984: Robert H. Low Mustang II (N53BL), Des Moines, IA, substantial damage

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.