Casualties unknown

1992-12-04: Luscombe SL8 (N71585) — Hicks, Seymore — Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK, US

On December 4, 1992, a Luscombe SL8 (registration N71585) operated by Hicks, Seymore was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF HIS AIRPLANE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT IN COMMANDS IMPROPER TAXI SPEED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performing a wide left taxi turn on ice toward a shoreline applied power for rudder effectiveness but failed to avoid an unoccupied Cessna 207 beached above the shore, resulting in a collision.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while taxiing a Luscombe aircraft on an icy surface, they executed a wide sweeping left turn toward the shoreline. During the maneuver, the pilot noted that the closure rate with the shoreline was higher than desired. To increase rudder effectiveness on the ice and steer away from the shoreline, the pilot applied engine power. However, this attempt was unsuccessful.

The nose of the Luscombe subsequently collided with the rudder and stabilizer section of an unoccupied Cessna 207. The Cessna 207 was beached just above the shoreline at the time of the incident.

Sequence of Events

The pilot's account indicates that the turn was initiated to align the aircraft with a desired path. The higher-than-expected closure rate prompted a corrective action involving power application, intended to enhance rudder authority on the icy surface. Despite this, the aircraft did not respond sufficiently to alter its trajectory, leading to the impact with the parked Cessna.

No further details about the location, time, or other circumstances were provided in the report. The condition of the Luscombe or the Cessna 207 after the collision was not specified, and the report does not mention any injuries or the involvement of air traffic control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16110. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.