Pilot Debrief

LUSCOMBE 8A near Churchville, MD — 2015-05-29

Final reportERA15LA228
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Date
2015-05-29
Location
Churchville, MD, USA
Airport
0W3
Aircraft
LUSCOMBE 8A
Registration
N2009B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's improper reduction of the fuel mixture while the airplane was descending on the final leg of the traffic pattern, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

According to the commercial pilot, while the airplane was descending on the final leg of the traffic pattern after the personal flight, he reduced the fuel mixture, and the engine then lost total power. The pilot was unable to regain engine power, and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequently impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, vertical stabilizer, and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The Engine Operator's Manual stated that the mixture must be in the "full rich" position during the descent. It is likely that the pilot's reduction of the fuel mixture during the descent resulted in the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained engine power by keeping mixture in 'FULL RICH'.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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