On May 15, 2003, a Luscombe 8A (registration N1977B) was involved in an aviation accident near Colville, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions on landing. A contributing factor was a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on runway 19 with a 90-degree crosswind exceeding 10 knots, the aircraft's tail wheel touched down, the wind lifted the left wing, and after corrective attempts, it departed the runway and nosed over, causing substantial damage.
Incident Summary
A pilot conducted a landing on runway 19 in crosswind conditions. The wind was approximately perpendicular to the runway, with a velocity greater than 10 knots. The aircraft touched down with the main wheels and subsequently the tail wheel contacted the runway surface.
Sequence of Events
As the tail wheel made contact, the wind lifted the left wing, causing the aircraft to drift to the right. The pilot made several attempts to correct the drift. Despite these efforts, the aircraft departed the paved surface at an angle of about 10 to 15 degrees. The aircraft nearly came to a stop when the wind caught the tail, raising it and causing the aircraft to overturn.
Damage
The nose-over resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the right wing lift strut.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 15 May 2003 Luscombe 8A accident near Colville, WA?
During a landing on runway 19 with a 90-degree crosswind exceeding 10 knots, the aircraft's tail wheel touched down, the wind lifted the left wing, and after corrective attempts, it departed the runway and nosed over, causing substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 May 2003 Luscombe 8A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 May 2003 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N1977B, at Colville, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions on landing. A contributing factor was a crosswind.