Accident
On 22 July 2013 at 1715 UTC, a Luscombe 8A Silvaire, registration G-BSNT, was involved in an accident during takeoff at Farthing Corner Airfield, Kent. The aircraft, built in 1941 and powered by a Continental Motors Corp A65-8 piston engine, was on a private flight with one pilot and one passenger. Neither occupant sustained injuries.
Background
Prior to the flight, the 65-year-old pilot, holding a Private Pilot’s Licence with 185 hours total flying experience (96 hours on type), conducted the pre-flight power checks and began the takeoff run. Dissatisfied with the engine performance, the pilot aborted the takeoff after the second bounce. The aircraft then landed heavily.
Investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the left landing gear, left wing tips, and engine cowling. The left stub-axle had sheared off. Further inspection showed that the stub-axle failed near the weld. The fracture surface exhibited evidence of corrosion and a crack that appeared to have been present for some time prior to the accident.
No probable cause was determined by the investigation.