N551W

Substantial
None

North American P-51DS/N: 109-28618

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
NTSB Number
DFW08CA202
Location
Tulsa, OK
Event ID
20080903X01367
Coordinates
36.039443, -95.984443
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
NORTH AMERICAN
Serial Number
109-28618
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1943
Model / ICAO
P-51DP51
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
P-51D

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
LATSHAW DRILLING & EXPLORATION CO
Address
PO BOX 691017
City
TULSA
State / Zip Code
OK 74169-1017
Country
United States

Analysis

The commercial pilot began his takeoff roll on a maintenance test flight. During the ground roll and near rotation speed, the pilot moved his hand from the throttle to the gear handle. The pilot reported that the throttle friction lock was not properly set and the throttle experienced "throttle creep" reducing engine power. The pilot advanced the throttle at which time the airplane became airborne and began to torque roll. An aborted takeoff was executed by the pilot and the airplane touched down off of the runway. The airplane came to rest after contacting the airfield perimeter fence. Substantial damage was sustained to the right wing and left horizontal stabilizer.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA202