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NTSB Report
September 1, 2010 · Luscombe 8A · N2156K
Churchville, MD
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Churchville, MD
Aircraft
Luscombe 8A
Tail Number
N2156K
Operator
James C Walker
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA467
The pilot stated that the takeoff was normal until the airplane was about 50 feet above the ground, at which time he closed the carburetor heat and the engine lost power. The airplane’s landing gear then contacted top of a security fence beyond the end of the runway and the airplane bounced into a plowed field in a nose-down attitude. The pilot further stated that before he exited the airplane, he checked the fuel valve and found that it was not locked in the full forward position; rather, it was midway between the "ON" and "OFF" positions. The pilot said that in retrospect, he was not positive that he had placed the fuel valve in the "ON" position during his preflight inspection, and that this was the reason for the engine losing power on takeoff.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel valve was in the "ON" position during his preflight inspection, resulting in the loss of engine power during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that the take-off was normal until he was about 50 feet in the air, at which time the engine lost power after he closed the carburetor heat. The airplane’s landing gear then contacted top of a security fence beyond the end of the runway and bounced into a plowed field in a nose-down attitude. The pilot further stated that before he exited the airplane, he checked the fuel valve and found that it was not locked in the full forward position but was midway between the ON and OFF positions. The pilot said that in retrospect, he was not positive that he had placed the fuel valve in the full forward position during his pre-flight inspection, and that this was the reason for the engine losing power on take-off.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportHarford County Airport (1nm)
Runway19
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLuscombe 8A
Tail NumberN2156K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames C Walker
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A65 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.18 inHg
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC