The pilot reported that the accident occurred during the third flight test of the recently completed amateur-built Mustang II. He noted there were no anomalies with the airplane during his preflight inspection or before-takeoff engine run-up.
After an uneventful takeoff, he proceeded to a nearby practice area where he completed basic flight maneuvers and measured cruise performance parameters before returning to the airport in Morton, Texas, for a full-stop landing.
Upon returning to the airport, he decided to land on Runway 22 because it was longer and wider than the other runway, and the prevailing wind from the south-southwest favored either runway.
The airplane landed hard, bounced, and then veered off the left side of the runway before he could regain control. The airplane subsequently nosed over after encountering soft terrain alongside the runway.
The pilot sustained serious injuries.
A review of available wind data indicated that a gusting left crosswind component of 9 to 14 knots existed during the landing.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s improper landing flare after encountering a gusting crosswind and his inadequate recovery from the subsequent bounced landing.
NTSB Identification: CEN14LA213
This April 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Makes you wonder why some people bother with all the effort and resources to build an experimental airplane only to destroy it and almost kill themselves due to a lack of skill needed to operate it safely.
I guess some people have time, money, and their lives to burn. Fortunately most seem to manage to do it in isolation and not take any of us with them.