Accident Overview
On November 1, 2010, about 1530 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, registration N71823, impacted the ground after takeoff from runway 11 at Schaumburg Regional Airport, Schaumburg, Illinois. The airplane, operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight, was originating at the time and destined for Sylvania Airport, Sturtevant, Wisconsin. Visual flight rules conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured.
Witness Account
A commercial pilot at the airport observed the takeoff. The initial climb appeared normal until the airplane reached about 150 feet above ground level, at which point the engine sound ceased. The airplane then stalled, the left wing dropped, and it made about half a revolution before impacting the ground. The witness noted the propeller was turning during the sequence. Prior to the flight, the pilot had fueled the aircraft using a red fuel can and may have had trouble starting the engine, but the engine sounded normal during taxi and initial takeoff.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine land, single-engine sea, glider, and instrument ratings, as well as a flight instructor certificate for single-engine airplanes. His most recent second-class medical certificate was issued September 11, 2007, and he reported 1,100 flight hours. The 1946 Luscombe 8A, serial number 3250, was a two-place, high-wing tailwheel aircraft with aluminum construction. It was powered by a Continental A-65-8 engine (65 hp). Its most recent annual inspection was completed September 16, 2010.
Meteorological Conditions
At 1552, weather recorded at DuPage Airport (8 miles southwest) included wind 280° at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, broken clouds at 8,000 feet, temperature 22°C, and dew point 6°C.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane impacted about 20 feet from the runway. The aft fuselage partially separated at the aft cabin; tail surfaces remained attached. The engine and forward fuselage were crushed rearward. Wings exhibited leading-edge impact damage and remained attached; the upper cabin section separated from the rest of the fuselage. Wing struts and main landing gear remained attached. Control system examination found no pre-impact anomalies.
Engine cockpit controls were found with the magneto switch in the “Right” position (key bent), carburetor heat off, throttle full forward, and primer out. Engine examination confirmed crankshaft rotation, valve train continuity, and magneto operation. Compression was present on all four cylinders. Spark plugs showed sooting consistent with a rich mixture. Fuel was present in the carburetor; the fuel strainer was unobstructed. No pre-impact engine anomalies were identified.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed November 2, 2010, attributed the pilot’s death to multiple injuries sustained in the accident. Forensic toxicology on the pilot was negative for all tests.
Additional Information
According to FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, the temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing.