What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-21 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N45628, at Merrill, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The dual student's failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb after takeoff and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. A contributing factor was that all available runway was not used for takeoff due to the touch-and-go operation. An additional factor was the swamp terrain encountered.

Tail-Wheel Aircraft Impacted Terrain After Takeoff During Training Flight (N45628)

On July 21, 2004, a Luscombe 8A (registration N45628) was involved in an aviation accident near Merrill, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The dual student's failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb after takeoff and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A single-engine tail-wheel airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain after takeoff during a training flight. The instructor and student were practicing takeoffs and landings in crosswind conditions.

Incident Overview

A single-engine tail-wheel equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was engaged in a training flight with a flight instructor and a dual student practicing takeoffs and landings.

Sequence of Events

According to the flight instructor, the training session involved a left crosswind of approximately 8 miles per hour. During the fourth takeoff, the student initiated the departure and maintained nearly perfect directional control. However, the aircraft subsequently yawed 30 to 40 degrees to the right, at which point the student released the controls.

The flight instructor immediately assumed control and applied full left rudder. He reported that the aircraft settled into ground effect, and he held the airplane in ground effect in an attempt to gain airspeed. Despite these efforts, the aircraft descended and came to rest in a swamp area beyond the end of the runway.

Aircraft and Engine Condition

Both the flight instructor and the dual student stated that they were unaware of any mechanical malfunction or anomaly with the aircraft or its engine prior to the accident.

Weather Conditions

At 1835, the automated weather observing system at the airport recorded winds from 250 degrees at 5 knots.

2004-07-21: Luscombe 8A (N45628) — Merrill, WI