What happened
On March 27, 2025, at approximately 12:40 EDT, a Luscombe 8A, registration N28790, was involved in an accident near New Port Richey, Florida. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for a personal flight intended as a test flight prior to a flight review.
The aircraft had recently undergone reassembly, including the installation of a newly overhauled engine approximately six weeks before the event. The pilot had completed two previous test flights in the aircraft without mechanical issues.
After departing Tampa North Aero Park (X3Y) and flying northwest toward the Florida west coast, the pilot reached an altitude of 800 feet over water when the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot noted the power loss was smooth, without roughness, and the propeller continued to windmill. Despite attempts to restart the engine using the throttle and primer, power could not be restored.
The pilot identified a grassy area at a water treatment plant for an emergency landing. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck a rut in the grass, causing the airplane to flip over. The accident resulted in minor injuries to the pilot and substantial damage to the rudder and vertical stabilizer.