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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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August 19, 1998 · Silvaire Luscombe 8F Luscombe 8 · N1616Z

Tucson, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 unknown outcome
Location
Tucson, AZ
Aircraft
Silvaire Luscombe 8F Luscombe 8
Tail Number
N1616Z
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX98LA270

Witnesses reported that the aircraft landed fast on the main wheels, began veering left off the runway, became airborne, touched down in a dirt area, became airborne again, went through a chain link fence, and collided with an occupied security truck in the Arizona Air National Guard compound. The airport was using runway 11 for takeoffs and landings. During initial contact with the Tucson Air Traffic Control Tower, the pilot had requested runway 3 for landing, and, the tower issued the requested clearance, along with the wind direction and speed of 280 degrees at 7 knots. The airframe and engine were examined following recovery with no discrepancies noted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of the wrong runway for the wind conditions, his inadequate compensation for the existing quartering tailwind condition, and, his failure to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

On August 18, 1998, at 1736 hours mountain standard time, a Silvaire Luscombe 8F, N1616Z, veered off runway 3 while landing at the Tucson, Arizona, International Airport. The aircraft, which was destroyed, damaged an Air National Guard (ANG) fence, and substantially damaged an ANG security truck. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries and the driver of the truck incurred minor injuries. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and included winds from 280 degrees at 8 knots. The flight originated from Falcon Field, Mesa, Arizona at 1630. There was no flight plan filed for the personal flight. The pilot is a military aviator with the Arizona Air National Guard, stationed at the Tucson Airport, and flies the F-16. In his written report, the pilot stated that during contact with the Tucson Air Traffic Control Tower, he had requested runway 3 for landing. The tower issued the requested clearance along with the wind direction and speed, which was 280 degrees at 7 knots. He said that just before the tail wheel touched the ground, the plane veered left and he applied right rudder to no avail. He went on to state that he applied full power for a go-around, rotated the aircraft, but the engine did not respond and he was unable to make a successful climb. He clipped the fence and collided with the roof of a parked security truck behind the first row of F-16's. Witnesses reported that the aircraft landed fast on the main wheels, began veering left off the runway, became airborne, touched down in a dirt area, became airborne again, went through a chain link fence, and collided with an occupied security truck in the Arizona Air National Guard compound. Following recovery of the aircraft to a salvage facility in Phoenix, Arizona, the Safety Board examined the airframe and engine. No discrepancies were noted with the airframe. With a supply of fuel plumbed into the aircraft fuel lines at the wing root, the engine was started and found to respond to throttle inputs.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:36 MST
Nearest AirportTucson Int'L Airport (0nm)
Runway3
Runway Length4201 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSilvaire Luscombe 8F Luscombe 8
Tail NumberN1616Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 unknown outcome
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:41
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data