Summary
On November 10, 1994, a Fighter Escort Wings LTD P-51D (N51K) was involved in an incident near Seymour, TX. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER SPEED UNIT. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
On November 10, 1994, at 0930 central standard time, a home built 2/3rds scale P-51D, N51K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Seymour, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight. There was no flight plan filed.
In the pilot/operator report, the pilot stated that he was in cruise flight at 4,500 feet MSL with "everything indicating normal." Approximately 49 minutes after takeoff "a pop was heard and the engine began to overspeed. The power was reduced to 4,500 RPM"; however, "altitude could not be maintained." The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing to a field, during which both main landing gear collapsed.
This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW95LA040. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N51K.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER SPEED UNIT. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On November 10, 1994, at 0930 central standard time, a home built 2/3rds scale P-51D, N51K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Seymour, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight. There was no flight plan filed.
In the pilot/operator report, the pilot stated that he was in cruise flight at 4,500 feet MSL with "everything indicating normal." Approximately 49 minutes after takeoff "a pop was heard and the engine began to overspeed. The power was reduced to 4,500 RPM"; however, "altitude could not be maintained." The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing to a field, during which both main landing gear collapsed.
An examination, by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, of the aircraft revealed that the propeller speed reduction unit had failed.
The aircraft experienced damage to the frame, landing gear, and wings.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW95LA040