No fatalities

Loss of Directional Control During Takeoff Roll Results in Nose-Over

Ellinwood, KS, United States

On July 31, 2013, a LUSCOMBE 8A operated by Michael Yagel was involved in an aviation accident near Ellinwood, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost directional control during takeoff, causing the airplane to veer onto soft ground at the runway shoulder, enter a field, and nose over. Substantial damage occurred to the fuselage and empennage.

Accident Description

During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported a loss of directional control of the airplane. As the airplane moved toward the runway edge, it reached the shoulder of the runway where it encountered soft ground conditions. The airplane then continued into the adjoining field and nosed over.

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's fuselage and empennage. The pilot stated that there was no malfunction or system failure of the airplane prior to the accident.

Aircraft Damage

Substantial damage was reported to the fuselage and empennage. No other damage details were provided.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the loss of directional control occurred during the takeoff roll. The pilot further noted that the airplane experienced no mechanical or system malfunctions before the event.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 2013 LUSCOMBE 8A accident near Ellinwood, KS?

A pilot lost directional control during takeoff, causing the airplane to veer onto soft ground at the runway shoulder, enter a field, and nose over. Substantial damage occurred to the fuselage and empennage.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 2013 LUSCOMBE 8A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 2013 involved a LUSCOMBE 8A, operated by Michael Yagel, at Ellinwood, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff.