North American P51D N514NH

Summary

On 11 March 2010 at about 20:23 local time, a North American P51D registered N514NH, operated by Hirani Oil Arizona LLC, was involved in an accident near Chandler, Arizona, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 March 2010 at 20:23

Classification

Accident

Location

Chandler, Arizona, United States

Nearest airport

Stellar Airpark (P19)

Coordinates

33.2989, -111.9156

Aircraft

North American P51D

Registration

N514NH

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Hirani Oil Arizona LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Chandler → Chandler

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR10LA156

1 person died.

The pilot’s improper flare, resulting in a bounced landing, stall, and loss of directional control.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane bounced several times after touchdown followed by the nose pitching up 20-25 degrees. The airplane became airborne about 20 feet above the runway surface and stalled. The left wing dropped down about 20 degrees and the nose yawed about 30 degrees to the left of the runway heading. The pilot appeared to have taken the proper steps to regain control of the airplane, as the nose was lowered to about a level flight attitude, the wings leveled, and the application of power was heard. Despite his apparent efforts, these inputs were not sufficient to maintain directional control or alignment with the runway. The airplane departed the east edge of the runway before crossing the grass infield and the perpendicular taxiway. Witnesses reported that even after veering of the runway the airplane continued to accelerate, giving the appearance that the pilot was attempting to attain flying speed and depart. The airplane briefly became airborne before colliding with a large rock and fence post. It continued across the parking ramp and collided with a hangar, at which point it was consumed by fire.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.