Accident Overview
On May 29, 2015, at about 1300 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, registration N2009B, impacted terrain before reaching the runway at Harford County Airport (0W3), Churchville, Maryland. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, vertical stabilizer, and fuselage, including the wing spar and fuselage structure. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Witness Observations
Two witnesses reported that the airplane flew over the south side of the airport and sounded as if it lost engine power. They observed the aircraft descending on a right downwind leg for runway 19 and continuing to descend while on the right base leg of the traffic pattern before losing sight of it.
Pilot Account
During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that while descending on approach to runway 19, he decreased engine power and turned onto the final leg of the traffic pattern. He then reduced the mixture, at which point the airplane lost total engine power. The pilot was unable to regain engine power, and the airplane entered a stall before impacting the ground.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine found no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident. According to the engine operator's manual, the mixture control must be in 'FULL RICH' during descent.
The Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) was not received despite multiple attempts.