Casualties unknown

1999-03-27: Luscombe 8E (N1766K) — Chester Thurston — Dahlonega, GA

Dahlonega, GA, US

On March 27, 1999, a Luscombe 8E (registration N1766K) operated by Chester Thurston was involved in an aviation accident near Dahlonega, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. 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 takeoff, the pilot felt a yaw to the right after tailwheel liftoff. The right main wheel left the runway, prompting the pilot to continue on grass. The airplane then hit a drop-off, a fence, and nosed over.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred during the takeoff phase. The pilot reported that the takeoff run progressed normally until the tailwheel lifted off. At that moment, the pilot perceived a yaw to the right. Attempting to correct, the pilot recognized that the right main wheel was approaching the edge of the runway. Once the right main gear departed the paved surface, the pilot decided to abandon the runway and continue the takeoff on the adjacent grass.

Subsequent Events

After moving onto the grass, the airplane rolled over a drop-off, struck a fence, and then nosed over. The sequence ended with the airplane inverted or partially inverted on the ground.

Pilot Account

The pilot provided the only known description of the event. No other witnesses or recordings were mentioned in the source. The pilot's narrative focused on the unexpected yaw and the decision to proceed with the takeoff on grass rather than aborting or returning to the runway.

Incident Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, location, operator, number of occupants, injuries, or extent of damage. No information regarding weather, time of day, or air traffic control involvement was provided. The report is limited to the pilot's recollection of the takeoff and the subsequent ground contact with the drop-off and fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00264. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.