Pilot Debrief

LUSCOMBE 8 near Omaha, NE — 2025-01-16

Final reportCEN25LA080
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Date
2025-01-16
Location
Omaha, NE, USA
Airport
MLE
Aircraft
LUSCOMBE 8
Registration
N71586
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while in the traffic pattern, the engine completely lost power. He switched fuel tanks, but engine power was not restored. The pilot conducted a forced landing and impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tanks contained no usable fuel and the gascolator contained about a tablespoon of fuel. There was no evidence of fuel blight at the accident site. After the accident, the pilot stated that he did not sump the fuel tanks and should have checked the fuel level before the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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