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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 15, 2000 · Luscombe 8A · N77948

Tacoma, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 15, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Tacoma, WA
Aircraft
Luscombe 8A
Tail Number
N77948
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA00LA178

The pilot was attempting to land the tailwheel aircraft on runway 17 with winds blowing from 250 degrees at 12 knots gusting 17. Although he was able to successfully touch down on the main gear, as he lowered the tailwheel to the runway, the aircraft was hit by a gust from the right, which caused it to weathervane into the wind. As the pilot was attempting to realign the aircraft with the runway, the left main gear collapsed and the left wing impacted the runway surface.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for winds and his failure to maintain directional control. Factors include a gusting crosswind.

Full Narrative

On September 14, 2000, at 1753 Pacific daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N77948, experienced a gear collapse during the landing roll at Tacoma Narrows Airport, Tacoma, Washington. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, but the aircraft, which was owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight, which departed Bremerton National Airport, Bremerton, Washington, about 20 minutes earlier, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation. According to the pilot, who was landing on runway 17, the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) broadcast was indicating winds from 240 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 17 knots. While he was on short final, the tower advised the pilot that the winds were then 230 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 17. Although he was able to make a successful touchdown on the main gear, as he lowered the tailwheel to the runway, a right crosswind gust forced the aircraft to begin to weathervane to the right. During his attempt to bring the aircraft back into alignment with the runway, the left main gear collapsed and the left wing impacted the runway surface. According to the tower, at the time the aircraft touched down, the winds had switched back to 250 degrees, and were still blowing at 12 to 17 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:53 PDT
Nearest AirportTacoma Narrows (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length5002 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLuscombe 8A
Tail NumberN77948
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 12 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter29.20 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data