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NTSB Report
September 18, 1993 · Luscombe 8F · N840B
Festus, MO
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Festus, MO
Aircraft
Luscombe 8F
Tail Number
N840B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI93LA369
The pilot lost control of the airplane when the tailwheel spring failed during landing roll. Metallurgical examination of the fracture surface determined the failure was from fatigue.
NTSB Probable Cause
a fatigue failure of the tailwheel spring.
Full Narrative
On September 18, 1993, at 1315 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8F, N840B, sustained substantial damage when it departed the runway and ground-looped during landing rollout at the Festus Memorial Airport, Festus, Missouri. The private pilot was not injured. No flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight which originated at the St. Clair Regional Airport, St. Clair, Missouri. The pilot reported the tail wheel spring broke during landing roll, and that he lost directional control when the rudder became ineffective. The tail wheel spring was examined at the NTSB Materials Laboratory. The report described the fracture as containing features indicative of fatigue cracking.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 CDT
Nearest AirportFestus Memorial Airport (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length2202 ft
Runway Width49 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLuscombe 8F
Tail NumberN840B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90-12F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO