N25222

On June 11, 2000, at 1526 mountain daylight time, a Luscombe 8E, N25222, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the ground during initial climb following takeoff at Santa Fe, New Mexico. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed.

Weather conditions at the time of the occurrence were clear skies and high wind conditions. Santa Fe recorded wind at 1553 was from 240 degrees magnetic heading at 15 knots with gusts to 19 knots. Peak wind was recorded at 1529 to be from 230 degrees at 26 knots. The wind at 1453 was from 240 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 22 knots.

According to the pilot, following lift off from runway 20 at about 100 feet above ground level (AGL) the left wing dropped and the aircraft struck the ground. He said that following impact, the aircraft spun around to the left and came to a stop off the side of the runway.

The impact caused damage to the propeller, landing gear, right wing, and the fuselage behind the cabin area.