Pilot Debrief

LUSCOMBE 8E near Weeping Water, NE — 2009-10-11

Final reportCEN10LA012
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Date
2009-10-11
Location
Weeping Water, NE, USA
Airport
NE69
Aircraft
LUSCOMBE 8E
Registration
N1536B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the stuck exhaust valve resulting in the partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

During the departure climb, the pilot noted a partial loss of engine power and attempted to return to the airport. The airplane impacted a cornfield in a nose low attitude resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. An examination of the engine revealed that the number two exhaust valve was stuck in the open position. An examination of the remaining engine and airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing engine power issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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