Casualties unknown

1997-04-15: Luscombe 8E (N26SH) — Wautoma, WI

Wautoma, WI, US

On April 15, 1997, a Luscombe 8E (registration N26SH) was involved in an aviation accident near Wautoma, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot believed he pushed the power in too fast, flooding the engine, and pumping the throttle made it worse. 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

During a fourth touch-and-go landing, the engine sputtered upon power application. The pilot aborted the takeoff, but the aircraft ran off the end of runway 13 into a soft field and came to rest inverted approximately 420 feet past the runway.

Accident Details

According to the pilot's statement, the accident occurred during the fourth touch-and-go landing of the flight. The pilot noted that the landing 'took awhile to get the plane on its mains because of the gusty conditions.' After touchdown, when power was advanced for the takeoff, the engine sputtered. The pilot applied carburetor heat, but the engine continued to sputter. Pumping the throttle did not resolve the issue.

Sequence of Events

Realizing the engine was not producing power, the pilot lowered the tail and began braking. During the aborted takeoff roll, the aircraft ran off the end of runway 13 into a freshly plowed, soft sandy field. The main wheels dug into the soft ground, causing the airplane to flip onto its back. The aircraft came to rest approximately 420 feet past the end of the runway, inverted.

Pilot's Assessment

In his statement, the pilot offered his own assessment of the cause, saying, 'I believe I pushed power in too fast and flooded engine. Pumping throttle made it worse.'

Probable cause

The pilot believed he pushed the power in too fast, flooding the engine, and pumping the throttle made it worse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07690. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.