1 fatal · AMERICAN AIR RACING LTD THUNDER MUSTANG · 2018-05-02 · Reno, NV, USA
Event
NTSB number
WPR18FA131
Event ID
20180501X32346
Type
Accident
Date
2018-05-02
Location
Reno, NV, USA
Coordinates
39.661388, -119.867774
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
AMERICAN AIR RACING LTD
Model
THUNDER MUSTANG
Registration
N352BT
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly secure the engine coolant pump pulley during recent maintenance, which resulted in a loss of the engine's lubrication, cooling, and propeller control systems, and a forced landing, during which the airplane nosed over. Contributing was the design of the accessory drive system, which allowed for multiple simultaneous failures of critical engine components. Contributing to the pilot's fatal injuries was the inadequate support provided by the airplane's canopy structure, which did not protect him during the relatively innocuous nose-over event.