History of Flight
On October 11, 2009, approximately 1530 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8E, registration N1536B, was substantially damaged when it impacted a cornfield near Weeping Water, Nebraska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The cross-country flight originated from Browns Airport (NE69) in Weeping Water and was en route to Omaha, Nebraska.
According to a written statement and subsequent telephone conversation with the pilot, he had just fueled the airplane with eight gallons of fuel and performed an engine run-up. During the departure climb, the pilot reported that something did not feel “right” and the engine did not seem to be producing full power. He attempted to return to the airport but did not recall any subsequent events.
Wreckage Examination
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who traveled to the scene, the airplane impacted a cornfield in a nose-low attitude. Both wings exhibited aft accordion crushing, and the left wing was partially separated. The fuselage was crushed and bent. The empennage was slightly wrinkled but otherwise unremarkable. The propeller remained attached to the engine assembly, and the engine was crushed aft into the cabin area. The wreckage was recovered to a facility in Ottawa, Kansas, for further examination.
Engine Examination
On December 1, 2009, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board, Teledyne Continental Motors, and an FAA inspector examined the wreckage. An examination of the airframe revealed that the fuel system and flight control system were continuous and did not exhibit any preimpact anomalies. Examination of the engine revealed that the exhaust valve on the number two cylinder was stuck in the open position and would not move when the engine was rotated by hand at the propeller flange. The oil filter screen was free of metal contamination.
According to the engine logbooks, the most recent engine overhaul was performed on April 6, 1964. According to Teledyne Continental Motors Service Information Letter (SIL) 98-9A – Time Between Overhaul Periods – the C85 engine is required to be overhauled every 1,800 hours of operation or 12 years, whichever occurs first.