North American P-51C accident near Hager City, WI
On May 29, 2004, a North American P-51C (airplane) was involved in an accident near Hager City, WI. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- May 29, 2004
- Place
- Hager City, WI
- Aircraft
- North American P-51C · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 44.589°N, 92.485°W
- NTSB ID
- 20040602X00716
Official records · CHI04LA128
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 29, 2004, at 1410 central daylight time, a North American P-51C, N61429, operated by the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum, collided with trees and terrain in Hager City, Wisconsin, following a loss of engine power while maneuvering during an airshow at the Red Wing Regional Airport (RGK), Red Wing, Minnesota. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane received substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The airplane departed from RGK about 1330. The accident occurred during the Wings of Freedom Airshow. The airshow airboss reported the airplane was lining up for a west to east pass over the airport when he heard the pilot radio that he had an engine malfunction. He stated an individual radioed to the pilot to "turn on your boost pump" and another individual instructed the pilot to pull his propeller back. A witness reported seeing the airplane make a low pass over the runway followed by a turn to the north to line back up with the runway heading east. This witness reported the airplane appeared to be traveling slower then it was during the previous low pass. He stated the propeller was still turning, but the airplane was descending with the landing gear retracted. He reported he then lost sight of the airplane behind the trees. Another witness reported seeing the airplane approach the airport heading east. This witness reported the airplane descended and passed under wires prior to contacting the tress. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot held an airline transport pilot
Probable cause
The improper installation of the camshaft drive gear assembly which resulted in the retaining nut backing off allowing the drive gear to move up the shaft. A factor associated with the accident was the low altitude at which the power loss occurred and the trees which the airplane contacted during the forced landing.
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Browse: Wisconsin · North American aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
