Summary
On May 17, 2011, a Luscombe 8 (XB-11Y) was involved in an accident near Spicewood, TX. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
The pilot told an FAA inspector that he and his passenger departed on runway 35 and planned to practice touch and go landings. He initiated the take off roll from mid-field with a tailwind, and said that the engine was not producing enough power needed to safely depart. The pilot continued the take off and once airborne, the airplane stalled and collided with trees at the end of the runway. The pilot said the engine was running at the time of impact and there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to each wing, the fuselage, and the right elevator. Winds at a nearby airport were reported as wind 160 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 17 knots.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA342. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft XB-11Y.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
The pilot told an FAA inspector that he and his passenger departed on runway 35 and planned to practice touch and go landings. He initiated the take off roll from mid-field with a tailwind, and said that the engine was not producing enough power needed to safely depart. The pilot continued the take off and once airborne, the airplane stalled and collided with trees at the end of the runway. The pilot said the engine was running at the time of impact and there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to each wing, the fuselage, and the right elevator. Winds at a nearby airport were reported as wind 160 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 17 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# CEN11CA342