Pilot Debrief

LUSCOMBE 8E near Meeker, CO — 2026-04-19

Final reportCEN26LA169
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Date
2026-04-19
Location
Meeker, CO, USA
Aircraft
LUSCOMBE 8E
Registration
N1398K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inability to maintain climb performance and clearance from terrain due to the airplane’s encounter with windshear during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported he was attempting to depart from a remote 2,040 ft long airstrip. During the initial climb, the airplane encountered windshear, and the pilot noticed that the vertical speed indicator depicted a decreasing climb rate. The pilot determined that the airplane was unable to out climb the terrain due to the windshear and opted for a straight-ahead forced landing. The airplane landed in a three-point configuration in tall, thick sagebrush and eventually nosed over, coming to rest inverted. Both wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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