# NTSB NYC82FHD13: Midget Mustang, N5497M, Millville, NJ, June 12, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 12, 1982, 13:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Millville, NJ
- Location: 39.4021° N, 75.0393° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Millville, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4021&lon=-75.0393&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 12, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71713
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC82FHD13
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71713/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82FHD13

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - level off - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT PERFORMED SEVERAL HIGH SPEED TAXI TESTS WITH THE TAIL UP. DURING A HIGH SPEED TAXI, WHEN THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO WEATHER COCK, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED FLIGHT RATHER THAN RISK GROUNDLOOPING THE AIRCRAFT. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF FLIGHT THE PILOT SET UP FOR A LANDING; HE STATED THAT HE PULLED THREE NOTCHES OF FLAPS AND MADE A POWER OFF APPROACH.AT APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET THE PILOT BEGAN TO TRANSITION TO THE FLARE, HOWEVER THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT RESPOND SUFFICIENTLY TO FULL NOSE UP ELEVATOR, THE DESCENT WAS NOT ARRESTED AND THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO HIS UNFAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT TYPE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5497M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5497M-2018-03-30), registration cancelled 2018-03-30, S/N 1DB, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MIDGET MUSTANG
- Registry model: [Berliner Donald BUSHBY MUSTANG MM-I](https://openairdocs.org/model/berliner-donald-bushby-mustang-mm-i) (registry code 1690508) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1DB
- Airframe hours: 1
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Don Berlinger
- Registered owner: Don Berlinger
- Departed: MILLVILLE, NJ
- Destination: MILLVILLE, NJ
- Airport: Millville, runway 19, 5,100 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 116 total, 1 in this make and model, 69 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 158 °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 19820612021879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820612021879A), Jun 12, 1982: Amtrbb MUSTANGMIDGT, Millville, NJ, Substantial damage. Aircraft stalled and crashed during first landing. Pilot indicated airplane would not flare.

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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