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NTSB Report

June 12, 2004 · Luscombe 8E · N1970K

Joliet, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 12, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Joliet, IL
Aircraft
Luscombe 8E
Tail Number
N1970K
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04CA153

The aircraft was substantially damaged when it nosed over during takeoff roll. The pilot reported that as he attempted to takeoff the aircraft encountered standing water on the turf runway and nosed over. He noted that he did not see the water on the runway prior to initiating the takeoff roll. The airport manager reported that the runway was saturated due to heavy rains the night prior to the accident. In addition to runway 4-22, the airport was served by runway 12-30 (2,937 feet by 100 feet, asphalt). Winds recorded at the airport at 1505 hours were from 340 degrees at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff and the subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control during the encounter with the standing water. Contributing factors were the standing water and the soft runway condition.

Full Narrative

On June 12, 2004, approximately 1500 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8E, N1970K, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during takeoff roll on runway 22 (3,228 feet by 140 feet, turf) at Joliet Regional Airport (JOT), Joliet, Illinois. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The local flight was departing at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that as he attempted to takeoff the aircraft encountered standing water on the turf runway and subsequently nosed over. He noted that he did not see the water on the runway prior to initiating the takeoff roll. He stated that there were no malfunctions associated with the aircraft prior to the accident. The airport manager reported that the runway was saturated due to heavy rains the night prior to the accident. He reported observing standing water on the runway while at the accident scene. The airport had not issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) concerning the runway condition prior to the time of the accident. In addition to runway 4-22, the airport was served by runway 12-30 (2,937 feet by 100 feet, asphalt). Winds recorded by the JOT Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at 1505 were from 340 degrees at 5 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest AirportJoliet Regional Airport (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length3228 ft
Runway Width140 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLuscombe 8E
Tail NumberN1970K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85-12F · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 80 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.87 inHg
Observation Time20:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data