History of Flight
On August 27, 2009, at approximately 1400 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe 8A (registration N40VS) sustained substantial damage when the right main landing gear collapsed during takeoff at Arcadia Municipal Airport (X06), Arcadia, Florida. The certificated private pilot and the owner, who was a passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was a local personal flight originating at the time, conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to written statements from both individuals, the left wing began to rise during the takeoff roll. The pilot applied left aileron, leveled the airplane, and then released the aileron for a normal takeoff, at which point the airplane continued to fall to the right. The pilot reduced power, aborted the takeoff, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. Both occupants exited the aircraft and observed that the right main landing gear had collapsed. In a subsequent interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector, the pilot mentioned that the airplane may have bounced a few times during the takeoff.
Personnel Information
A review of FAA airman records showed the pilot held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued December 10, 1998. The pilot reported approximately 6,000 total flight hours, with 16 hours in the accident make and model. He stated that the airplane was a recent purchase by the owner and that his experience in it was gained during delivery from Wisconsin to Florida. He noted he was operating the airplane in the Light Sport category. The owner did not hold a pilot certificate or an FAA medical certificate.
Aircraft Information
According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1940 and had accumulated 2,210 total aircraft hours. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on April 1, 2009, at 2,191 total aircraft hours. Weight and balance calculations performed by the FAA inspector, using occupant, baggage, and fuel weights provided by the pilot and owner, indicated the airplane weighed approximately 1,315 pounds at takeoff, exceeding the maximum allowable gross weight of 1,260 pounds.
Meteorological Information
At 1353, weather reported at Charlotte County Airport (PGD), Punta Gorda, Florida, 19 miles southwest, included few clouds at 4,300 feet, winds from 120 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, temperature 32°C, and dew point 22°C.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident was not reported until an examination by a certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed substantial airframe damage. An FAA inspector found corrosion in the areas of the landing gear that had buckled or fractured. These sections were removed and sent to the NTSB materials laboratory for further examination.
Tests and Research
On October 19, 2009, the NTSB materials laboratory examined the sectioned pieces of the right main landing gear. The analysis determined that the component failed in overstress bending due to landing gear loads consistent with forward movement of the airplane. No indications of preexisting defects were found, and the observed corrosion did not affect overall integrity because it was shallow relative to the overall thickness of the landing gear tube.