# NTSB WPR11LA205: Bennett Midjet Mustang I, N611JB, Ramona, CA, April 10, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 10, 2011, 08:28 local (15:28 UTC) - Place: Ramona, CA - Coordinates: 33.041012, -116.91186 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0410&lon=-116.9119&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report October 3, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Adminsitration - NTSB case key (mKey): 78960 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR11LA205 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/78960/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=78960 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA205 ## Probable cause The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to the overload separation of the left brake master cylinder from the left rudder pedal assembly. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible (probable cause); cases with it: [Bennett James C MIDJET MUSTANG I, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=1690690), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Landing gear system: master cylinder/brake valve](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023243): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Bennett James C MIDJET MUSTANG I, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023243/cases.md?model=1690690), [All aircraft, 21 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023243/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330) (defining event); cases with it: [Bennett James C MIDJET MUSTANG I, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=1690690), [All aircraft, 994 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230); cases with it: [Bennett James C MIDJET MUSTANG I, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=1690690), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Bennett James C MIDJET MUSTANG I, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=1690690), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Bennett James C MIDJET MUSTANG I, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=1690690), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that while conducting a series of touch-and-go takeoffs and landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, he heard a loud snap sound during his third takeoff followed by the upper left rudder pedal collapsing. The pilot verified that he had rudder control and noticed that the upper left rudder pedal seemed displaced forward of its normal position. He further noticed that the left rudder pedal was binding at various times, but overall was operational, and thus suspected that the left brake master cylinder had disconnected from the rudder pedal. The pilot said that every time he applied left rudder during the landing the airplane veered to the left as if left brake was being applied. Despite his control inputs, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and nosed over within the soft muddy terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left brake master cylinder was separated from the left rudder pedal at the rudder attach point. Examination of the left rudder pedal and master cylinder revealed that the left rudder pedal was fractured at the lug where it attached to the upper end of the brake master cylinder. The fracture surface was consistent with an overstress fracture. The fracture surface was examined by an NTSB metallurgist using a scanning electron microscope and no evidence of fatigue or other progressive crack growth was observed. The lower surface of the brake master cylinder attachment lug on the left rudder pedal had an impression corresponding to contact with the lower end of the clevis of the left master brake cylinder attachment fitting. A similar impression was observed on the lower surface of the brake master cylinder attachment lug on the right rudder pedal. Deformation consistent with contacting the lower surface of the rudder pedal lugs was observed at the base of the clevis in the upper attachment fittings of both the left and right brake master cylinders. ## Factual narrative On April 10, 2011, about 0828 Pacific daylight time, a tail wheel equipped amateur built experimental Bennett Midjet Mustang 1, N611JB, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Ramona Airport (RNM), Ramona, California. The airline transport pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The local flight originated from RNM about 0810. In a written statement, the pilot reported to the Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC) that he was conducting a series of touch-and-go landings on runway 27, a 5,001-foot long and 150-foot wide asphalt runway. The pilot said that his first two takeoffs and landings were very smooth and uneventful. During his third takeoff, as the airplane ascended through about 30 feet, he heard a loud "snap" followed by the upper left rudder pedal collapsing. The pilot confirmed rudder continuity and noted that the "upper portion of the left rudder pedal seemed displaced well forward of its normal position, and at times binding but functional." The pilot stated that he noticed no degradation of the flight controls and suspected that the left brake master cylinder had possibly separated from the rudder pedal. The pilot further reported that he conducted a normal tail-low wheel landing on runway 27, favoring the right side of the runway. As the tail wheel settled onto the runway, the airplane slightly moved to the right. The pilot stated that he inputted left rudder to correct the change in heading and the airplane "lurched hard to the left" as if he had "deliberately applied left brake along with the corrective rudder." Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane continued to the left and exited the runway surface. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over in soft muddy terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the left brake master cylinder was separated from the left rudder pedal at the rudder attach point. The left rudder pedal and separated portion of the master cylinder attach point clevis were sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory, Washington, DC, for further examination. Examination of the components by a Senior Materials Engineer revealed that the left rudder pedal was fractured at the lug where it attached to the upper end of the brake master cylinder. The fracture surface was relatively rough and matte gray, features consistent with overstress fracture. The fracture surface was examined using a scanning electron microscope, and no evidence of fatigue or other progressive crack growth was observed. The lower surface of the brake master cylinder attachment lug on the left rudder pedal had an impression corresponding to contact with thelower end of the clevis of the left master brake cylinder attachment fitting. A similar impression was observed on the lower surface of the brake master cylinder attachment lug on the right rudder pedal. Deformation consistent with contacting the lower surface of the rudder pedal lugs was observed at the base of the clevis in the upper attachment fittings of both the left and right brake master cylinders. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N611JB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N611JB-2013-03-26), registration cancelled 2013-03-26, S/N 500 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BENNETT MIDJET MUSTANG I - Registry model: [Bennett James C MIDJET MUSTANG I](https://openairdocs.org/model/bennett-james-c-midjet-mustang-i) (registry code 1690690) (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: 500 - Airframe hours: 153 - Engines: LYCOMING O-290 SERIES 140 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, September 16, 2010 - Departed: RNM, Romona, CA - Destination: RNM, Romona, CA - Airport: RNM, Ramona Airport, runway 27, 5,001 × 150 ft ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 67; injuries: minor; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review January 7, 2011; seat: center; flight hours: 26,245 total, 1 in this make and model, 15,000 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 30.25 inHg - Observed at: KRNM ## 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 20110410007799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110410007799A), Apr 10, 2011: Bennett James C MIDJET MUSTANG I, Ramona, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot was conducting familiarization flight following purchase of this aircraft. During the second touch and go, the PIC heard a pop/bang noise and stated that… ## Docket (4 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 29, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=78960. 2.4 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 624 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351178&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Materials Labratory Findings Email Correspondance (item 2, .PDF, 43 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351179&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Materials%20Labratory%20Findings%20Email%20Correspondance-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 3, .PDF, 68 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351709&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1: View of the accident site. Courtesy of Airport Operations. (item 4, .PDF, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351187&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20View%20of%20the%20accident%20site.%20Courtesy%20of%20Airport%20Operations.-Master.PDF 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.