No fatalities

23 Nov 2017: LUSCOMBE 8 F — Caldwell, TX

Caldwell, TX, United States

On 23 Nov 2017, a LUSCOMBE 8 F was involved in an aviation accident near Caldwell, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control and the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during a right downwind in the traffic pattern, a poorly planned base-to-final turn led to an uncoordinated 45-degree bank, wing drop, descending roll, and terrain impact. Substantial damage occurred; no mechanical issues were noted.

Flight Maneuver

The pilot was conducting a right-hand traffic pattern. On the downwind leg, he estimated the airplane was about one-quarter mile from the runway, which he considered too close. Subsequently, while turning from base leg to final approach, the pilot described the maneuver as poorly planned and executed. He initiated a right bank of approximately 45 degrees in an uncoordinated manner.

Loss of Control

The uncoordinated bank caused the right wing to drop. This resulted in a descending roll to the right. Despite the pilot's attempts to recover control, the airplane continued its descent and struck the ground.

Damage Assessment

The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe. Specifically, the fuselage and right wing sustained significant structural damage.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that no mechanical failures or malfunctions existed prior to the accident. He indicated that the airplane was operating normally and that no preexisting issues would have prevented normal flight.

Contributing factors

Yaw control — Not attained/maintainedCapability exceededPilot