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Solo Student Pilot Involved in Runway Excursion During Touch-and-Go (N1143B)

Farmington, NM, US

On June 9, 1995, a Luscombe 8A (registration N1143B) operated by William R. Ryesterer was involved in an aviation accident near Farmington, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE BY THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go landing, a solo student pilot added power for takeoff, causing the aircraft to turn left and exit the runway onto soft ground. The right main landing gear folded, and the nose and right wing dug in.

Event Sequence

During a touch-and-go landing, the solo student pilot added power for takeoff. The aircraft subsequently turned left and departed the side of the runway onto soft ground. As a result, the right main landing gear folded, and the nose and right wing dug into the ground.

Wind Conditions

The wind at the time of the incident was 40 degrees right of the nose at a speed of 5 knots.

Pilot Experience

The pilot was on his first solo flight after receiving an endorsement. He had accumulated a total of 52 flight hours, of which 48 hours were in the same make and model of the aircraft. His pilot-in-command time was 40 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 1995 Luscombe 8A accident near Farmington, NM?

During a touch-and-go landing, a solo student pilot added power for takeoff, causing the aircraft to turn left and exit the runway onto soft ground. The right main landing gear folded, and the nose and right wing dug in.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 1995 Luscombe 8A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 1995 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N1143B, operated by William R. Ryesterer, at Farmington, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE BY THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03698. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.