N41831 – GAGE MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1 – 2012-08-11 NTSB Accident Report

On August 11, 2012, a Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1 (N41831) was involved in an incident near Erie, CO. 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 pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

The pilot reported that he had just purchased the single-seat airplane and that he had discussed the operation of the airplane with the previous owner. The pilot stated that this was the first flight in the airplane for him; the wind was calm when he lined up for takeoff and as he started the takeoff roll, a left quartering wind blew the airplane off the runway. The pilot further stated that once the airplane’s wheel got onto the grass he was unable to correct the turn. The airplane continued off the runway, impacted a ditch, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane received substantial damage to its vertical stabilizer and fuselage during the accident.

This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN12CA537. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N41831.