History of Flight
On September 2, 2020, at 1213 mountain daylight time, a Titan Mustang T-51 airplane, registration N153JW, was destroyed in an accident near Brighton, Colorado. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. After takeoff, the pilot traveled approximately 10 miles east before returning to the airport and overflying the runway. He then executed either a touch-and-go or a low approach, followed by a right-hand traffic pattern and a touch-and-go. Video footage of that touch-and-go showed a normal approach and wheel landing, with the subsequent takeoff appearing normal; no airframe or engine anomalies were visible. A witness reported that after the final takeoff, the airplane entered a right turn, climbed to about 200 ft above ground level (agl), and then appeared to become "unstable," rolling over and entering a spin. An analysis of automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast (ADS-B) data indicated that after the final takeoff, the airplane climbed to about 5,200 ft mean sea level (175 ft agl) and accelerated to about 90 mph (78 knots). Over the next 4 seconds, the airplane slowed to about 70 mph (61 knots). Shortly thereafter, the airplane entered a gradual descent as airspeed continued to decay. The bank angle increased and ultimately exceeded 90°. The airplane impacted an open field approximately 0.60 nautical miles northwest of the departure end of the runway.
Aircraft Information
The level flight, flaps up, maximum gross weight aerodynamic stall speed for the airplane was approximately 57 mph (50 knots). Stall speed increases with bank angle; for example, in a constant altitude 45° bank turn, stall speed increases by about 20%, and in a 60° bank turn, by about 44%.
Airport Information
The level flight, flaps up, maximum gross weight aerodynamic stall speed for the airplane was approximately 57 mph (50 knots). Stall speed increases with bank angle; for example, in a constant altitude 45° bank turn, stall speed increases by about 20%, and in a 60° bank turn, by about 44%.
Wreckage and Impact Information
A postrecovery examination found no 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.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed by the Adams County Coroner's Office (Brighton, Colorado) determined the pilot's cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology testing by the FAA's Forensic Sciences Laboratory identified amlodipine in liver and kidney tissue. Amlodipine is a prescription medication commonly used for high blood pressure and is not considered impairing.