Pilot Debrief

LUSCOMBE 8A near Madison, GA — 2010-01-19

Final reportERA10LA121
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Date
2010-01-19
Location
Madison, GA, USA
Airport
52A
Aircraft
LUSCOMBE 8A
Registration
N2750K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a tailwind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot landed on runway 14 with a tailwind and slowed the airplane to taxi speed in preparation to exit the runway. As the airplane neared the taxiway, it veered sharply to the right. The pilot corrected with left brake and full left rudder. The airplane then veered left and exited the left side of the runway. Upon contact with the unimproved surface, the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing was damaged. The pilot initially stated that a gust of wind had caused him to ground loop and then later stated that a fractured tailwheel leaf spring had caused a loss of directional control. Metallurgical examination of the fractured leaf spring found no evidence of any preexisting cracking or corrosion, and the fracture surfaces were indicative of overstress. Tire marks observed on the runway were consistent with the main gear and tailwheel tires being in contact with the runway as the airplane departed. Wind reported near the time and location of the accident was from 270 degrees at 7 knots, varying between 247 and 307 degrees.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have inspected tailwheel before flight to prevent failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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