NTSB Factual Report

On June 9, 2001, approximately 1430 mountain daylight time, a Luscombe 8E, N1614K, was substantially damaged following loss of control during landing at Longmont, Colorado. The student pilot, the only occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan had been filed for the student solo cross-country flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at St. Francis, Kansas, approximately 1230.

The following is based on a telephone conversation with the pilot shortly after the accident. The pilot had flown from Longmont to Akron, Colorado, then to St. Francis, Kansas, and was en route back to Longmont as part of a student solo cross-country flight. The airplane landed at Longmont and as soon as the wheels touched down, it veered off the left side of runway 29, crossed the median, which was covered with prairie dog holes. The right main landing gear was torn off, and there were wrinkles in the skin and gear box.

Recorded winds at the Broomfield-Jefferson County (Jeffco) Airport, located 20 miles south of Longmont, were from 110 degrees at 12 knots. For a landing on runway 29, this would present a direct 12 knot tailwind.

The pilot was asked to submit an accident report on June 15. When none was received, the instructor was contacted on his cellular telephone. Both he and the pilot were in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, attending the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual convention. The pilot said she had mailed the report. Additional reports and various correspondence were sent to the pilot on July 12, August 24, and October 12, but a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the tailwind.