Casualties unknown

1999-12-26: Luscombe 8A (N45886) — Gualala, CA

Gualala, CA, US

On December 26, 1999, a Luscombe 8A (registration N45886) was involved in an aviation accident near Gualala, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/mush and a collision with the ground. 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

A student pilot lost control during transition from takeoff roll to initial climb. The airplane stalled after lift-off, rolled left, and cartwheeled after impact. The student lacked required flight instructor authorization.

Accident Overview

A student pilot was operating an airplane from an uncontrolled airport when the accident occurred. The transition from the takeoff roll to the initial climb resulted in a loss of control. The airport manager, who witnessed the event, reported that the airplane lifted off the runway and appeared to stall. Subsequently, the airplane rolled to the left, impacted terrain, and cartwheeled.

Pilot Authorization

The student pilot had not received written flight instructor authorization to operate from the airport. Additionally, the student's last 90-day logbook endorsement had expired three months prior to the accident. No other details about the pilot's qualifications or recent flight experience were provided.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff, the airplane became airborne but then entered a stalled condition. The left roll and subsequent impact with terrain led to the airplane cartwheeling. The source did not specify the aircraft type, registration, or whether any injuries occurred.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20267. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.