Amateur-built Mustang T-51 N153JW accident near Brighton, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.

NTSB analysis

After the initial takeoff, the pilot proceeded about 10 miles east of the airport. He subsequently returned a few minutes later and entered a right-hand traffic pattern and performed two touchandgo landings. Video footage of the final touch-and-go appeared normal; no anomalies were noted. A witness reported that the airplane entered a right turn after the final takeoff and climbed to about 200 ft above ground level (agl). Shortly afterward, the airplane appeared to become “unstable” and “rolled over and entered into a spin.”

Performance data indicated that after the final takeoff, the airplane climbed to about 175 ft above ground level and accelerated to about 90 mph (78 knots). Over the next 4 seconds, the airplane slowed to about 70 mph (61 knots). Shortly afterward, the airplane entered a gradual descent, and the airspeed continued to decay. In addition, the bank angle began to increase and subsequently exceeded 90°.

A postrecovery examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. The engine, reduction gearbox, and propeller assembly exhibited damage consistent with the production of engine power at impact.

The performance data revealed that the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall as the bank angle increased during the descent. The witness statement was consistent with an inadvertent aerodynamic stall from an altitude that did not allow for recovery before impact with the terrain. However, the reason for the preceding decay in airspeed could not be determined from the available information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA375 for the full record.