On June 20, 1986, a Luscombe 8A (registration N1166B) was involved in an aviation accident near Barkhanstead, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to monitor fuel quantity adequately during flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing where the main gear collapsed due to terrain irregularities. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion after encountering unexpected headwinds during a short flight. The pilot executed a precautionary landing in a field, where the main gear collapsed upon contact with ground ruts, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
What happened
The flight departed with approximately seven gallons of fuel on board and initially benefited from a slight tailwind. However, after about 30 minutes in the air, the aircraft encountered a headwind that significantly increased fuel consumption rates. The fuel supply was depleted, leading to engine failure due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot initiated a precautionary landing in an adjacent field.
The investigation
During the ground roll of the emergency landing, the aircraft's main landing gear struck deep ruts in the field. The impact caused the gear to fold backward, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe and landing gear assembly.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to monitor fuel quantity adequately during flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing where the main gear collapsed due to terrain irregularities.
