NTSB reports states that loose screws led to trim tab loss on P-51 racer

[xNOVAx]

http://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms/search/document.cfm?docID=374510&docketID=51746&mkey=81814

In terms of the language about flying beyond it's structural limits, take a look at the image study report. Figure 17, 18, and 19 really show the forces being applied to the airframe at those speeds. The structural limits language was probably taking into account that the plane was the most highly modified mustang in history, although I could be wrong. All I know is Strega and Voodoo were going faster and we've never seen these kind structural issues on those airframes.

[pembquist]

I'm assuming that by structural limit they mean the limit beyond which the plane starts failing, not the point at which it fails.  My understanding is that the most direct cause of the accident was flutter breaking the trim tab control rod. 20 year old bolts and reused nylon lock nuts make flutter more likely, deforming the airframe by flying beyond its structural limits can too. 

I don't see how you could make this activity safer without spending more money on engineering and testing, or putting limits on what's supposed to be unlimited.
 

[ozrocker]

I didn't think about him being knocked out.
Hopefully it'll lead to more/better maintenance and checks.
It's sad to realize that if he had "woken up", he might have been able to save himself and plane,
providing he had enough alt.

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