No fatalities

30 Aug 2019: Luscombe 8 A — Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ, United States

On 30 Aug 2019, a Luscombe 8 A was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control and subsequent overapplication of rudder pedal, which resulted in a runway excursion and the right wing striking the ground. 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

During a wheel landing, a tailwheel airplane encountered a wind gust, veered right, and overcorrected left, exiting the runway. The right wing struck the ground, causing substantial damage.

Accident Details

The pilot in the right seat of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he had just sold the airplane to the pilot in the left seat. The right-seat pilot was on the controls during a wheel landing when the airplane encountered a wind gust from the right. The airplane veered right, and the pilot stated he "apparently over-corrected" to the left. The airplane subsequently exited the left side of the runway, and the right wing struck the ground.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar and aileron.

Wind Conditions

According to the airport's METAR, around the time of the accident the wind was from 290° at 10 knots. One hour before the accident, gusts were reported at 17 knots, and one hour after the accident, gusts were reported at 20 knots. The pilot landed on runway 21L.

Additional Information

The left-seat pilot's side was not equipped with brakes. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotIncorrect use/operation