On November 12, 1993, a Luscombe 8F (registration N822B) was involved in an aviation accident near Griffin, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during takeoff resulting in a stall and impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported an engine power loss immediately after takeoff and attempted a 180-degree turn back to the airfield, but the aircraft stalled and impacted terrain near the runway.
What happened
Witnesses observed the aircraft making a sharp 180-degree right turn back toward the runway shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level. Following this maneuver, the airplane stalled and crashed into the terrain on the south side of the runway.
The pilot spoke with witnesses in the area and stated that the engine had stopped producing power immediately after takeoff. He explained that he attempted to return to the airfield following the loss of power.
The investigation
The pilot/owner did not make the engine available for examination, preventing a mechanical analysis of the failure.
Probable cause
Engine failure during takeoff resulting in a stall and impact with terrain.