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Loss of Control During Landing at Nampa Airport (N1983B)

Nampa, ID, US

On August 27, 2004, a Luscombe 8A (registration N1983B) operated by Ronald G. Hanks was involved in an aviation accident near Nampa, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors include the pilot's very low total time in this make and model aircraft (one hour), and the soft terrain the aircraft encountered along the side of the runway. 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

A flight instructor conducting a familiarization flight in a Luscombe experienced a loss of control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and collapse of the left main landing gear.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor was at the controls of a Luscombe aircraft at Nampa Airport. The purpose of the flight was to familiarize himself with the aircraft so that he could later provide instruction to the new owner during a flight to Texas. After a short local flight, the instructor performed a touch-and-go landing and then entered the traffic pattern for a second landing.

Sequence of Events

During the landing roll of the second landing, the aircraft began to veer from side to side. The pilot described the motion as an "aggravated pilot induced oscillation." In response, he applied full aft stick to increase tailwheel authority. As he pulled the stick aft, he inadvertently added left aileron, which raised the right wing. The aircraft then started to veer off the right side of the runway. The pilot applied full left rudder, significant left brake, and full power, but these inputs were insufficient to correct the path. The aircraft departed the right side of the runway and encountered soft terrain, causing the left main landing gear to collapse.

Pilot Remarks

In a telephone conversation with the NTSB, the pilot stated that he had been "slow to recognize" the situation that led to the loss of control. Investigation revealed that the pilot had a total of one hour of previous experience in a Luscombe aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Aug 2004 Luscombe 8A accident near Nampa, ID?

A flight instructor conducting a familiarization flight in a Luscombe experienced a loss of control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and collapse of the left main landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Aug 2004 Luscombe 8A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Aug 2004 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N1983B, operated by Ronald G. Hanks, at Nampa, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors include the pilot's very low total time in this make and model aircraft (one hour), and the soft terrain the aircraft encountered along the side of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040916X01444. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.