NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On October 11, 2009, approximately 1530 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8E, N1536B, was substantially damaged when it impacted a cornfield near Weeping Water, Nebraska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The private pilot was seriously injured. The cross-country flight departed Browns Airport (NE69) Weeping Water, Nebraska, and was en route to Omaha, Nebraska. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to a written statement and subsequent telephone conversation with the pilot, he had just fueled the airplane with eight gallons of fuel, and performed an engine run-up. The pilot reported that during the departure climb, something was not “right” and the engine did not seem to be producing full power. He attempted to return to the airport but did not recall any of the events that followed.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who traveled to the scene, the airplane impacted a cornfield in a nose low attitude. Both wings exhibited aft accordion crushing and the left wing was partially separated. The fuselage was crushed and bent and the empennage was slightly wrinkled but otherwise unremarkable. The propeller remained attached to the engine assembly and the engine was crushed aft into the cabin area of the fuselage. The wreckage was recovered to a facility in Ottawa, Kansas, for further examination.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board, Teledyne Continental Motors, and an inspector from the FAA examined the wreckage on December 1, 2009.

An examination of the airframe revealed that the fuel system and flight control system were continuous and did not exhibit any preimpact anomalies. An examination of the engine revealed that the exhaust valve on the number two cylinder was stuck in the open position and would not move when the engine was rotated by hand at the propeller flange. The oil filter screen was free of metal contamination.

According to the engine logbooks, the most recent engine overhaul was performed on April 6, 1964. According to Teledyne Continental Motors Service Information Letter (SIL) 98-9A - Time Between Overhaul Periods - the C85 engine is to be overhauled every 1,800 hours of operation or 12 years, whichever occurs first.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the stuck exhaust valve resulting in the partial loss of engine power.