On May 18, 1985, a Luscombe 8-A (registration N28428) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbiana, AL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
At a gliderport, a ground controller used hand signals to direct traffic. Both a pilot of N28428 and an ultralight pilot saw the controller waving his arms but assumed he was clearing each to proceed. N28428 began its takeoff roll as the ultralight descended onto its wing, prompting an aborted takeoff.
Background
The airstrip involved is used primarily as a gliderport. At the time of the accident, traffic was being controlled by a person on the ground using hand signals.
Accident Sequence
Aircraft N28428 proceeded onto the runway for takeoff while an ultralight was on final approach. Both pilots observed the person controlling traffic waving his arms. However, both pilots assumed that the controller was clearing each of them to proceed. N28428 began its takeoff roll as the ultralight descended onto its wing. The takeoff roll was then aborted.
Aftermath
The exact intent of the controller's hand signals was not determined.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 May 1985 Luscombe 8-A accident near Columbiana, AL?
At a gliderport, a ground controller used hand signals to direct traffic. Both a pilot of N28428 and an ultralight pilot saw the controller waving his arms but assumed he was clearing each to proceed. N28428 began its takeoff roll as the ultralight descended onto its wing, prompting an aborted takeoff.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 May 1985 involved a Luscombe 8-A, registration N28428, at Columbiana, AL.
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