Pilot Debrief

LUSCOMBE 8A near Ephratah, NY — 2022-07-30

Final reportERA22LA345
Sign in to save
Date
2022-07-30
Location
Ephratah, NY, USA
Airport
3NY7
Aircraft
LUSCOMBE 8A
Registration
N1358K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

After an uneventful preflight inspection and engine start, the pilot took off from the turf runway and was planning on staying in the airport traffic pattern. During the initial climb, about 50 ft above ground level, the engine abruptly lost power and the propeller continued to windmill. The airplane’s low altitude prevented the pilot from troubleshooting except for switching fuel tanks and the application of carburetor heat, which both failed to restart the engine. The airplane touched down hard at the end of the runway, collapsing the gear and causing impact damage to the right wing and engine compartment. Weather at the time of the accident was conducive for the formation of carburetor ice at the glide power setting, but not at a high takeoff power setting. Additionally, the examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal engine operation. Therefore, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for carburetor ice before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

Related mishaps