Pilot Debrief

Luscombe 8A near Baldwin City, KS — 2019-12-04

Final reportCEN20LA029
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Date
2019-12-04
Location
Baldwin City, KS, USA
Airport
K64
Aircraft
Luscombe 8A
Registration
N45606
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose over.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor was conducting a flight review with the private pilot. During the takeoff roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane crossed over the runway centerline toward the right. The pilot applied left rudder control input, but the airplane continued to the right. The airplane then continued off the runway into a soft, muddy farm field, where it nosed over, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot failed to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which the flight instructor did not correct in a timely manner.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff when the airplane began to veer off centerline.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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