N71492

On October 7, 1993, at 0930 hours eastern standard time, a Luscombe 8A, N71492, piloted by a private pilot/airplane mechanic, veered off the left side of the 800 foot long grass runway at the Hatfield airstrip in Bristol, Indiana. The airplane sustained substantial damage when the left main landing gear collapsed as it veered into a cornfield. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the business flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Nappanee, Indiana approximately 0915 hours.

The pilot reported he approached from the southwest, landing (uphill) to the northeast. He stated he side slipped the airplane to the runway threshold, then made a wheel landing. As the airplane rolled out, the pilot intentionally raised the right wing to veer off the left side of the runway towards the airport buildings. The pilot felt the left main landing gear "...tipped inwards..." so he straightened out the ground roll. The airplane continued off the departure end of the runway about 30 feet into standing corn, with the left main landing gear folded under.