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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 4, 1996 · Luscombe 8A · N71973

Corsicana, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Corsicana, TX
Aircraft
Luscombe 8A
Tail Number
N71973
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA313

The pilot stated that upon return from a local area flight, he 'was attempting to back the aircraft up by flying into a steady south wind, just above the stall.' As he flew the airplane low and slow over the runway, the winds suddenly stopped. The pilot stated that the trees surrounding the airstrip may have blocked the wind, resulting in a loss of control.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor was the high wind.

Full Narrative

On July 4, 1996, at 1400 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N71973, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Corsicana, Texas. The airplane, owned and operated by a private owner, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the pilot's private airstrip approximately an hour prior to the accident. According to the pilot, upon return from a local area flight, he "was attempting to back the aircraft up by flying into the wind, just above the stall." He reported that the winds were initially steady from the south. As he flew the airplane low and slow over the runway, the wind suddenly stopped. The pilot stated that the trees surrounding the airstrip may have blocked the wind, resulting in a loss of control. The 1946 vintage airplane impacted trees resulting in structural damage to both wings and the attaching point for the left main landing gear. The accident was reported to the NTSB on July 22, 1996.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest AirportThe Homestead (0nm)
Runway33
Runway Length1400 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLuscombe 8A
Tail NumberN71973
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12F · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point11 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data