On February 15, 1992, a Luscombe 8E (registration N1778K) operated by Storie, Kenneth J was involved in an aviation accident near Farrar, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PREMATURE LIFTOFF AND POOR PLANNING BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE TAILWIND AND MISJUDGED COMPENSATION FOR IT ALONG WITH THE ROUGH UNEVEN TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed in a field after losing engine power from fuel exhaustion, refueled from a local farmer, then attempted takeoff. On rough terrain with a tailwind, the airplane became airborne prematurely, settled back, sheared off its landing gear, and slid to a stop at the bottom of a hill.
Incident Details
A pilot experienced a loss of engine power while in flight, which was attributed to fuel exhaustion. The pilot subsequently performed a landing in a field. After landing, the pilot obtained fuel from a local farmer and refueled the airplane. The pilot then attempted to take off from the field.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff attempt, the terrain was rough and a tailwind was present. The airplane became airborne prematurely, meaning it left the ground at a lower speed or shorter distance than normal. As a result, the airplane settled back onto the terrain. Upon contacting the ground, the landing gear was sheared off. The airplane then slid forward until it came to a stop at the bottom of a hill.
Outcome
The airplane sustained damage from the gear separation and the slide. No further details about occupants or injuries were provided in the source.