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Student Solo Cross-Country Flight Ends with Runway Excursion and Landing Gear Damage (N1614K)

Longmont, CO, US

On June 9, 2001, a Luscombe 8E (registration N1614K) was involved in an aviation accident near Longmont, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the tailwind. 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 student solo cross-country flight, the airplane veered off the runway after landing, crossing a median with prairie dog holes. The right main landing gear was torn off, and the skin and gear box were damaged. A 12-knot tailwind was recorded at the time.

Accident Details

The pilot was returning from a student solo cross-country flight. Upon landing, the airplane touched down and immediately veered off the left side of the runway. It crossed the median, which was covered with prairie dog holes. The right main landing gear was torn off during the excursion, and wrinkles appeared in the skin and gear box.

Weather Conditions

recorded wind at a nearby airport was from 110 degrees at 12 knots. For the landing on runway 29, this resulted in a direct tailwind of 12 knots.

Damage Assessment

Examination of the aircraft revealed the right main landing gear had been completely torn off. Additionally, there were wrinkles in the skin and gear box structure, indicating structural stress during the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 2001 Luscombe 8E accident near Longmont, CO?

During a student solo cross-country flight, the airplane veered off the runway after landing, crossing a median with prairie dog holes. The right main landing gear was torn off, and the skin and gear box were damaged. A 12-knot tailwind was recorded at the time.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 2001 Luscombe 8E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 2001 involved a Luscombe 8E, registration N1614K, at Longmont, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the tailwind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010626X01257. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.