On August 24, 1988, a Luscombe 8A (registration N1203K) operated by James R. Chafin was involved in an aviation accident near Doylestown, PA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A CFI and student pilot lost lift at about 200 ft AGL shortly after takeoff, resulting in a collision with trees. No mechanical issues were found.
Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting a training flight from a 2,330-foot turf runway. Witnesses reported that the wind was calm and the temperature was hot. Both pilots stated that the takeoff and initial climb proceeded normally until the aircraft reached approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL).
Loss of Lift
At that altitude, the pilots experienced a loss of lift. They attributed this to either a power loss or wind shear. The aircraft subsequently descended and collided with trees.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the wreckage. The examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure. Additionally, the pilots had not reported any mechanical issues prior to the event.