On August 19, 1990, a Luscombe 8A (registration N71330) operated by Semrad, James V. was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER PITCH ATTITUDE AND AIRSPEED TO AVOID AN AERODYNAMIC STALL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Luscombe 8A lost control and collided with trees while performing a low pass to pinpoint a missing radio-controlled model airplane. The pilot reported stalling into a grove of mesquite trees during the final turn.
Accident Narrative
A Luscombe 8A aircraft experienced a loss of control and collided with trees. According to the pilot, he and a passenger were conducting an aerial search for the passenger's missing radio-controlled model airplane. The model was spotted from an altitude of approximately 1,500 feet above ground level. The pilot then began making a low pass to pinpoint the exact location of the model airplane.
During the maneuver, the pilot stated, "When I made the final turn to fly by the model I stalled into a grove of mesquite trees." The aircraft descended and struck a tree with its right wing. Following the impact, the aircraft rotated 180 degrees and struck the ground tail first.