The Midget Mustang hit the runway in Longmont, Colorado, during takeoff after it prematurely lifted off and cartwheeled to a stop facing in the opposite direction.
The pilot said he knew the airplane was not at flying speed when it lifted off, so he moved the control stick forward to return it to the runway surface, but the plane bounced and veered left.
He added additional engine power in an attempt to keep the airplane flying.
The left wing then dropped and hit the runway, cartwheeling the airplane.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure attain/maintain pitch control prior to attaining a proper takeoff speed during takeoff roll, which resulted in a premature liftoff of the airplane and loss of control.
NTSB Identification: CEN15CA197
This April 2015 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.
Jay, speaking of armchair quarterbacks, you’re going the wrong direction! While I’m not disputing your obvious extensive knowledge of turbines operations, this article is not about the Cessna Mustang, it’s clearly about the homebuilt, piston powered Midget Mustang.
Should never try to correct a bounce on takeoff by nosing over which will only add to the next bounce progressing to porpoising. Hold the attitude and let it settle back to the runway while being attentive to the directional control. Full power should have been used at the beginning of this takeoff roll. Changing power during the takeoff roll especially during a longitudinal excursion as in a bounce will only aggravate the directional control
While I agree with most of what you say, I have to say it seems like the armchair quarterback comments show a lack of turbine knowledge… While I am not entirely familiar with the Mustang performance limitations, I AM knowledgable about the Legacy 1000 I fly, and there is a T/O thrust setting that is below max thrust. “Always use max thrust on takeoff” is an attitude that works great in the piston world, but things aren’t always that simple with turbine engines.
Would have been better to use ‘full power’ for the TO. When he bounced the bird pull power off and go back to departure end of runway and start over.
Similar to my response to Paul: full “power” is not something that is always used in turbine operations. Many times there are temp/performance limits that determine thrust settings. Also, the article above doesn’t seem to mention runway length remaining… which leads me to think that simply saying “power off and go back to departure” might not have been an option. Might wanna check the definition for accelerate-stop distance, as it can easily happen pretty quick in a jet.