On July 18, 2002, a Luscombe 8A (registration N45796) operated by Robert E. Sterner was involved in an aviation accident near Cordova, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable runway for takeoff, which precipitated an in-flight loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported two takeoff attempts on a 1,000-foot private gravel strip perpendicular to a river. After aborting a southward takeoff, a northward attempt resulted in the airplane settling into the river and nosing over.
Incident Summary
According to the pilot's report, a takeoff was attempted on a private gravel runway measuring 1,000 feet in length. The runway was oriented perpendicular to a river. The pilot first attempted a takeoff toward the south, but the airplane failed to become airborne in time to clear obstacles at the end of the runway. The takeoff was aborted.
Pilot's Account
The pilot then attempted a takeoff toward the north. The airplane lifted off but failed to climb. The pilot noted that the runway ended at a bank 10 to 15 feet high that descended into the river. As the airplane crossed the end of the runway, it settled into the river and nosed over.