What happened
On July 21, 2024, at approximately 1754 EDT, an experimental, amateur-built Titan T-51 Mustang, registration N751TX, was involved in a fatal accident near Germack Airport (7D9) in Geneva, Ohio. The flight was being conducted by a commercial pilot as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
Prior to the flight, the pilot had performed maintenance on the aircraft, including work on the fuel filter and the pitot-static system. Witnesses noted that the pilot had completed several ground taxi runs and run-ups, during which he noticed and replenished low oil levels. Following these preparations, the pilot departed for a brief flight to verify aircraft functionality.
During the flight, the pilot performed several maneuvers, including aileron rolls, at altitudes estimated to be at least 3,000 feet MSL. As the pilot descended to conduct a low pass over runway 1, the engine power increased during a pull-up maneuver. Witnesses and video footage recorded the engine reaching a very high RPM, followed by the propeller hub shattering. Fragments of the engine cowling and propeller blades were dispersed across the area, including onto runway 1.
Following the mechanical failure, the aircraft entered a left bank and descended toward a road approximately one-quarter mile west of the runway. While attempting an emergency landing, the aircraft's left wing struck an elevated tree branch. The aircraft subsequently rolled over and impacted the terrain in an inverted position. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the main debris field in a wooded area near a county road. The initial impact point with tree branches was located approximately 250 feet north of the main wreckage. There was no evidence of fire at the scene.
Mechanical examination of the aircraft revealed the following:
- The Titan T-51 Mustang was powered by a General Motors Corvette LS3 V8 engine and a Titan Aircraft Autoflight 1.9 gearbox.
- The propeller hub had fractured, and the gearbox had separated from the engine.
- The 4-blade composite propeller blades remained largely intact but showed various degrees of gouging and impact damage; two blades separated from the hub entirely.
- The right landing gear was found extended and locked, while the left landing gear was partially extended.
- Evidence of oil spray was present on the fuselage belly, left wing, oil cooler, tailwheel, and elevator.
- The throttle lever was found in a position mostly aft toward idle, and the propeller control was full forward.
- Flight control continuity was confirmed for all control surfaces.