Elkhart, IN, USA
N44DX
Devereux Mustang II
The experimental amateur-built tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain when it exited the runway and nosed over in the grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot's accident report stated, "I was able to maintain the center line until the tailwheel touched down. I had trouble keeping the plane under control. The plane veered toward the right of runway, went into the grass, hit a soft spot and went onto its nose." The pilot listed no mechanical malfunctions in reference to the airplane on that flight. The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "More training in type of plane. I have had several hours training in tailwheel but in slower planes."
On August 14, 2004, about 1600 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Devereux Mustang II, N44DX, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain when it exited runway 27 and nosed over in the grass adjacent to runway 27 at the Elkhart Municipal Airport (EKM), near Elkhart, Indiana. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated from EKM at 1315 and was landing at the time of the accident. The pilot's accident report stated: The wheel landing itself was perfect (as described by others on the ground). I was able to maintain the center line until the tailwheel touched down. I had trouble keeping the plane under control. The plane veered toward the right of runway, went into the grass, hit a soft spot and went onto its nose. The pilot listed no mechanical malfunctions in reference to the airplane on that flight. The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "More training in type of plane. I have had several hours training in tailwheel but in slower planes."
The pilot not maintaining directional control during landing roll. A factor was the soft terrain, and the inadequate training in type aircraft.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
