N2209K

Substantial
Minor

Luscombe 8AS/N: 4936

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, April 6, 2008
NTSB Number
NYC08CA153
Location
Lincoln, ME
Event ID
20080421X00520
Coordinates
45.362220, -68.534721
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot-rated-passenger's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N2209K
Make
LUSCOMBE
Serial Number
4936
Engine Type
None
Year Built
1947
Model / ICAO
8AL8
No. of Engines
0

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
MILLETT GERALD A JR
Address
367 OLD WEST MAINE RD
Status
Deregistered
City
LOWELL
State / Zip Code
ME 04493
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot/owner of the Luscombe 8A stated that he and a friend, who was a pilot-rated-passenger, intended to practice takeoffs and landings in an effort to gain proficiency on wheels after a long ski season. The pilot-rated-passenger was a flight instructor; however, the pilot was not receiving instruction. In addition, the pilot-rated-passenger did not have any flight experience in the make and model airplane. The pilot completed a successful takeoff and landing on runway 17, and then let the pilot-rated-passenger attempt the same. As the pilot-rated-passenger initiated a takeoff roll on runway 17, the airplane veered left, right, left, and right again. The pilot attempted to correct the upset, but the airplane traveled off the right side of the runway, into snow-covered grass, and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the underside fuselage. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilots report any. The pilot stated that at the time of the accident, the wind was from 150 degrees at 5 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC08CA153