Pilot Debrief

LUSCOMBE 8A near Fort Wayne, IN — 2021-09-04

Final reportCEN21LA400
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Date
2021-09-04
Location
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
Airport
SMD
Aircraft
LUSCOMBE 8A
Registration
N2071K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power after takeoff due to the formation of carburetor ice while on the ground and the pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat immediately before takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and three other airplanes were conducting a cross-country flight. After refueling, the airplanes taxied to the runway run-up area, and the pilot completed his preflight checklist. Shortly after takeoff, about 200 to 300 ft above ground level, the engine began operating rough, which included some surging, and then lost power. The pilot attempted to land on the opposite runway, which resulted in a landing with a 9- to 12-knot tailwind. Due to the tailwind, the airplane touched down near the end of the runway. Realizing the airplane would not stop before the end of the runway, the pilot turned the airplane to the right and exited the runway surface. The airplane entered a soybean field and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Weather conditions reported at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power. The pilot reported that during the takeoff, the carburetor heat was off. Therefore, it is likely that carburetor ice accumulated during taxi and run-up before the takeoff, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not use carburetor heat before takeoff despite conditions conducive to icing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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