On August 2, 2005, a Luscombe 8A (registration N71780) was involved in an aviation accident near Benson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane with a tailwheel configuration veered left during the landing roll, departed the runway, and struck a dirt mound with its right main landing gear, coming to rest on its right wing.
Accident Details
During the landing roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane began to swerve to the left of the runway centerline. The pilot, who is also the owner of the airplane, reported that the swerving continued, and the airplane subsequently departed the runway surface. After leaving the runway, the airplane’s right main landing gear collided with a dirt mound, causing the airplane to come to rest on its right wing.
Pilot Statement
The owner and pilot does not hold any Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates, including a student pilot certificate. He stated that during the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane began to swerve to the left of the runway centerline. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.