N2234K

On September 30, 2000, about 0950 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N2234K, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with a house during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Homosassa, Florida. The private pilot, the sole occupant aboard, sustained minor injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed in the area, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Crystal River Airport, Crystal River, Florida, at 0800, with a planned destination of Hernando County Airport, Brooksville, Florida.

According to the pilot, he departed Crystal River en route to Brooksville, located 24.5 miles south/southeast, for the purpose of having an annual maintenance inspection performed on the airplane. He stated that prior to departure, he did not receive a weather briefing. Upon arrival at Brooksville, low clouds and an overcast fog layer had developed. The pilot said he circled the area several times looking for better ground visibility and none was found. An attempt was made to return to Crystal River Airport for landing. While maneuvering to maintain visual conditions for the landing, the engine lost power. Several attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. Unable to reach the airport, he attempted an off-airport forced landing between a house and a tree. While maneuvering for the landing, the left wing collided with the house and the right wing collided with a tree. After the collision, the airplane nosed over.

According to the pilot, there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane, and he attributed "fuel starvation" for the loss of engine power. During the examination of the airplane at the accident site, no fuel was found in the fuel system.