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NTSB Report
August 18, 1988 · Luscombe 8A · N71572
Dimock, SD
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Dimock, SD
Aircraft
Luscombe 8A
Tail Number
N71572
Operator
Hunter Paul J
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DEN88FA186
THE PLT WAS GIVING AIRPLANE RIDES TO SOME NEIGHBORS FROM HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. HE HAD JUST TAKEN OFF WITH A NEW PAX. A WITNESS REPORTED OBSERVING THE ACFT SKIMMING CLOSE TO THE GROUND AFTER LIFTOFF, AND THEN THE ACFT CLIMBED QUICKLY. THE ACFT THEN BANKED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT DURING WHICH TIME THE NOSE DROPPED AND THE ACFT DESCENDED RAPIDLY UNTIL IT IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ACFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A HIGHER HORSEPOWER ENG THEN AUTHORIZED FOR THIS MODEL ACFT. THIS LARGER HORSEPOWER ENG REQUIRED MODIFICATIONS, I.E., ADDITION OF A ENG OPERATED FUEL PUMP AND A WOBBLE PUMP OR INSTALLATION OF OVERHEAD FUEL TANKS. THE PURPOSE OF THE MODIFICATIONS WAS TO INSURE ADEQUATE FUEL FLOW AND HEAD PRESSURE TO THE ENGINE. THESE MODIFICATIONS WERE NOT MADE. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK BEHIND THE SEATS AND INSIDE OF THE FUEL LINES WERE RUSTY, RESTRICTING FUEL FLOW.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS GIVING AIRPLANE RIDES TO SOME NEIGHBORS FROM HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. HE HAD JUST TAKEN OFF WITH A NEW PAX. A WITNESS REPORTED OBSERVING THE ACFT SKIMMING CLOSE TO THE GROUND AFTER LIFTOFF, AND THEN THE ACFT CLIMBED QUICKLY. THE ACFT THEN BANKED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT DURING WHICH TIME THE NOSE DROPPED AND THE ACFT DESCENDED RAPIDLY UNTIL IT IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ACFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A HIGHER HORSEPOWER ENG THEN AUTHORIZED FOR THIS MODEL ACFT. THIS LARGER HORSEPOWER ENG REQUIRED MODIFICATIONS, I.E., ADDITION OF A ENG OPERATED FUEL PUMP AND A WOBBLE PUMP OR INSTALLATION OF OVERHEAD FUEL TANKS. THE PURPOSE OF THE MODIFICATIONS WAS TO INSURE ADEQUATE FUEL FLOW AND HEAD PRESSURE TO THE ENGINE. THESE MODIFICATIONS WERE NOT MADE. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK BEHIND THE SEATS AND INSIDE OF THE FUEL LINES WERE RUSTY, RESTRICTING FUEL FLOW.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLuscombe 8A
Tail NumberN71572
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorHunter Paul J
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-75-9 · Reciprocating · 75
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:50
Weather SourceWFAC