Casualties unknown

2003-12-18: Luscombe 8E (N1338B) — San Jose, CA

San Jose, CA, US

On December 18, 2003, a Luscombe 8E (registration N1338B) was involved in an aviation accident near San Jose, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. 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 landing rollout, the airplane lifted a main gear, veered off the runway, struck a taxiway sign, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred when the airplane veered off the runway on the landing rollout, struck a taxiway sign, and came to rest inverted. No mechanical issues were reported by the pilot.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that he made a normal, straight-in approach to the runway and completed a three-point landing. During the landing roll, the right main gear and wing lifted. He corrected with right aileron, and the airplane began turning to the right. He then applied left rudder; however, he had released backpressure on the stick during the right aileron correction, and the rudder application was ineffective. The airplane then traveled off the runway.

Sequence of Events

After the three-point landing, during the rollout, the right main gear and wing lifted. The pilot applied right aileron to correct, which caused the airplane to turn right. Subsequently, the pilot applied left rudder, but because he had released backpressure on the stick during the aileron correction, the rudder input was ineffective. The airplane departed the runway surface, struck a taxiway sign, and came to rest inverted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040114X00065. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.