On June 20, 1993, a Luscombe 8A (registration N71155) operated by Glen W. & William A. King was involved in an aviation accident near Beach City, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's distraction by an aerobatic aircraft led to an inadvertent stall at low altitude from which recovery was not possible. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane on approach stalled and collided with the ground short of Runway 28 after the pilot became distracted by an aerobatic aircraft performing near the runway. The aerobatic aircraft had a waiver for the flight.
Accident Overview
The airplane was on approach to land on Runway 28 when it collided with the ground short of the runway. According to the pilot, the approach sequence initially proceeded normally through downwind and base legs.
Pilot Account
On final approach, the pilot observed a Pitts Special airplane performing aerobatics in the vicinity of the runway. The pilot lost sight of the aircraft and made turns to locate it. When the airplane was 20 to 30 feet above the ground, the pilot saw the other aircraft 200 feet away, descending straight down. The pilot lost sight of the other airplane when it went below the pilot's line of sight. During the distraction caused by the aerobatic aircraft, the pilot stalled the airplane at an altitude too low to recover.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the aerobatic airplane had been issued a waiver to conduct flight in the area.
Probable cause
The pilot's distraction by an aerobatic aircraft led to an inadvertent stall at low altitude from which recovery was not possible.
What happened in the 20 Jun 1993 Luscombe 8A accident near Beach City, OH?
An airplane on approach stalled and collided with the ground short of Runway 28 after the pilot became distracted by an aerobatic aircraft performing near the runway. The aerobatic aircraft had a waiver for the flight.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Jun 1993 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N71155, operated by Glen W. & William A. King, at Beach City, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's distraction by an aerobatic aircraft led to an inadvertent stall at low altitude from which recovery was not possible.
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