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July 21, 2004 · Luscombe 8A · N45628

Merrill, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 21, 2004
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Merrill, WI
Aircraft
Luscombe 8A
Tail Number
N45628
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04CA189

The single-engine tail-wheel equipped airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain after takeoff. The flight instructor reported that he and a dual student were practicing takeoffs and landings with a left crosswind of approximately 8 miles per hour. During the fourth takeoff, the student lifted off with "near perfect" directional control, however, the aircraft subsequently yawed 30 to 40 degrees to the right at which time the student released the controls. The flight instructor stated that he immediately assumed the controls and applied full left rudder. He reported that the aircraft settled into ground effect. He held the plane in ground effect in an attempt to gain airspeed, however, the aircraft subsequently settled into a swamp area beyond the end of the runway. The flight instructor and dual student reported no known malfunction of the aircraft or engine prior to the accident. At 1835, the RRL automated weather observing system recorded winds from 250 degrees at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The dual student's failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb after takeoff and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. A contributing factor was that all available runway was not used for takeoff due to the touch-and-go operation. An additional factor was the swamp terrain encountered.

Full Narrative

On July 21, 2004, approximately 1830 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N45628, piloted by a flight instructor and dual student, sustained substantial damage during a in-flight collision with terrain after takeoff from runway 34 (2,997 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at the Merrill Municipal Airport (RRL), Merrill, Wisconsin. The instructional flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The flight instructor and dual student reported no injuries. The local flight departed RRL about 1800 and was conducting touch-and-goes in the traffic pattern when the accident occurred. The flight instructor reported that they were practicing takeoffs and landings with a left crosswind of approximately 8 miles per hour. He stated that after completing the third landing, the student applied full power and lifted off with "near perfect" directional control. He noted that the aircraft subsequently yawed 30 to 40 degrees to the right at which point the student released the controls. The flight instructor stated that he immediately assumed the controls, verified full throttle and applied full left rudder. He noted that the aircraft settled into ground effect. He reportedly held the plane in ground effect in an attempt to gain airspeed, however, the aircraft subsequently settled in a swamp area beyond the end of the runway. The flight instructor and dual student reported no known malfunction of the aircraft or engine prior to the accident. At 1835, the RRL automated weather observing system recorded winds from 250 degrees at 5 knots, under clear skies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CDT
Nearest AirportMerrill Muni (0nm NNW)
Runway34
Runway Length2997 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLuscombe 8A
Tail NumberN45628
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 16 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.71 inHg
Observation Time23:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data