On January 13, 1995, a Luscombe 8F (registration N2183B) operated by Gavin & Patricia Murray was involved in an aviation accident near Wickenburg, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-RATED PASSENGER'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL, AND THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE PILOT-RATED PASSENGER, WHO HAD SOLE ACCESS TO THE AIRPLANE'S BRAKES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A CFI permitted a pilot-rated passenger to take off in a conventional gear airplane. After accelerating to 30-40 mph, the passenger lost control, veered off the runway, and nosed over in a ditch.
Incident Overview
A flight instructor (CFI) seated in the right seat allowed a pilot-rated passenger to perform the takeoff in a conventional gear airplane. The initial ground roll was unremarkable.
Loss of Control
As the airplane accelerated to between 30 and 40 miles per hour, the passenger lost directional control. The CFI attempted to regain control as the airplane veered off the runway, but was unsuccessful.
Outcome
The airplane encountered a ditch and nosed over. Wheel brakes were installed only on the left side of the airplane.
Configuration
The aircraft was equipped with wheel brakes on the left side only. No other configuration details regarding brakes or control systems were provided in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Jan 1995 Luscombe 8F accident near Wickenburg, AZ?
A CFI permitted a pilot-rated passenger to take off in a conventional gear airplane. After accelerating to 30-40 mph, the passenger lost control, veered off the runway, and nosed over in a ditch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Jan 1995 involved a Luscombe 8F, registration N2183B, operated by Gavin & Patricia Murray, at Wickenburg, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT-RATED PASSENGER'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL, AND THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE PILOT-RATED PASSENGER, WHO HAD SOLE ACCESS TO THE AIRPLANE'S BRAKES.
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