Pilot Debrief

LUSCOMBE 8A near Mexico, MO — 2012-06-23

Final reportCEN12CA391
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Date
2012-06-23
Location
Mexico, MO, USA
Airport
Pvt
Aircraft
LUSCOMBE 8A
Registration
N1380K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The airplane's encounter with a downdraft during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger had just completed a local flight from a private airfield. The pilot reported that he flared for the landing with the airplane’s airspeed between 60 and 65 mph at 3 to 4 feet above the ground, and the left wing dropped abruptly. The airplane’s left landing gear hit the ground hard and the airplane bounced; the pilot was then able to recover for a normal 3-point landing. An examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that it felt as though the airplane was pushed to the ground, which he believed was due to a strong downdraft or gust of wind. Wind in the area about 40 minutes before the accident was reported to be from 170 degrees at 7 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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