History of the Flight
A Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe, registration G-BSHH, departed on a private flight from Porthtowan Airstrip, Cornwall, on 8 July 2017 at 1330 UTC. The pilot, aged 62, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 333 hours of total flying experience, with 280 hours on type. After completing normal pre-takeoff checks, including power checks, the pilot commenced takeoff from a 500 m grass runway. The aircraft became airborne without difficulty, but immediately thereafter a partial loss of engine power occurred. The pilot landed the aircraft on the remaining runway and applied hard braking to stop before the airstrip perimeter, where a stone wall was located. The harsh braking caused the aircraft to tip forward, and the propeller struck the ground, stopping the engine. The aircraft subsequently overturned. The pilot and passenger, both suffering minor injuries, released their straps and escaped through the side doors.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe, manufactured in 1946, serial number 3981. It was a high-wing, tailwheel-equipped aircraft powered by one Continental Motors Corp C85-12F piston engine.
Injuries and Damage
Both the pilot and the single passenger sustained minor injuries. The aircraft suffered extensive damage.
Investigation
The cause of the partial power loss has not been determined as of the publication of the AAIB bulletin.