# NTSB ATL86LA213: Luscombe 8A, N71713, Ringgold, GA, July 26, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 26, 1986, 10:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Ringgold, GA
- Coordinates: 34.950321, -85.239028 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9503&lon=-85.2390&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor; on the ground: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7161
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA213
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7161/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA213

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - weather condition - haze/smoke
  - elevator trim - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - spiral - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - vehicle

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A 180 DEGREE TURN BECAUSE HE REALIZED HE WAS GETTING TOO CLOSE TO AN AIRPORT WHILE ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. A HIGHWAY PATROLMAN SAID THE PILOT TOLD HIM HE BECAME DISORIENTED DURING THE TURN, CUT THE POWER TO LAND, AND DID NOT HAVE CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. DURING THE TURN IN HAZY VISIBILITY THE PILOT BECAME SPATIALLY DISORIENTED, ALLOWED THE WING ON THE INSIDE OF THE TURN TO STALL, AND FAILED TO RECOVER FROM THE INDUCED SPIRAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N71713](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N71713-2013-05-03), registration cancelled 2013-05-03, S/N 3140, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LUSCOMBE 8A
- Registry model: [Luscombe 8A](https://openairdocs.org/model/luscombe-8a) (registry code 8190104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3140
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8F 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frederick S. Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 10, 1985
- Departed: 8A4, MARIETTA, GA
- Destination: SLO, SALEM, IL
- Airport: CHA, Chattanooga

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 200 total, 100 in this make and model, 160 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHA, 4 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860726038039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860726038039A), Jul 26, 1986: Luscom 8A, Ringgold, GA, Substantial damage. Pilot became disoriented during an uncoordinated turn as aircraft began a spiral. Struck a car during landing.

## Other investigations on N71713 (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI68F0677](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI68F0677), Apr 13, 1968: Luscombe 8A (N71713), Reading, MI, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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