# NTSB CEN15LA381: Luscombe 8, N1406K, Pontiac, MI, August 23, 2015 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 23, 2015, 10:15 local (14:15 UTC) - Place: Pontiac, MI - Coordinates: 42.665554, -83.42028 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6656&lon=-83.4203&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-flare/touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 4, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 91860 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN15LA381 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/91860/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=91860 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA381 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while landing with a left quartering tailwind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to conduct a go-around because of a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Luscombe 8E, 19 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=8190112), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Luscombe 8E, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=8190112), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) - [Wind: tailwind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Luscombe 8E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md?model=8190112), [All aircraft, 594 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Luscombe 8E, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=8190112), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: conducive to carburetor icing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031030): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on equipment (probable cause); cases with it: [Luscombe 8E, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031030/cases.md?model=8190112), [All aircraft, 435 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031030/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: runway/taxi/approach light](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022012): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Luscombe 8E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022012/cases.md?model=8190112), [All aircraft, 106 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022012/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Luscombe 8E, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=8190112), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Landing: Fuel related](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/190); cases with it: [Luscombe 8E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/190/sequence.md?model=8190112), [All aircraft, 361 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/190/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Luscombe 8E, 16 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=8190112), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot reported that, after conducting a personal flight and while landing, the airplane started to "weathervane" into the wind; a 6-knot quartering tailwind existed at the time of the accident. The pilot noted that the wind favored the other runway but that it was shut due to an airshow. The pilot applied full right rudder and right brake but was unable to regain control of the airplane. The pilot added power to conduct a go-around, but the engine did not respond. The airplane skidded off the runway, struck a runway light, and then came to rest on its nose. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, and engine revealed no anomalies. During examination of the fuel system, yellow-tinted fuel was found inside of the carburetor. Fuel was found in both fuel tanks. The left wing fuel tank contained brown water stains and evidence of corrosion. The fuel sending unit was tarnished, and the fuel tank contained contaminants of unknown origin. The analysis of the chemical composition of the fuel sample was consistent with aviation gasoline. Water content analysis revealed a water concentration in the fuel sample of 102 (plus or minus 20) ug/g. It could not be determined what role the contaminants and water played in the engine's failure to attain full power during the go-around attempt. However, weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power. Thus, it is likely that carburetor ice accumulated during the landing because the engine would have been at idle power, which caused the engine to lose power. ## Factual narrative On August 23, 2015, about 1015 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe 8E airplane, N1406K, was substantially damaged while landing at Oakland County International Airport (KPTK), Pontiac, Michigan. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which operated without a flight plan. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight departed Sugar Springs Airpark (5M6), Gladwin, Michigan, about 0830. According to the pilot, he was cleared to land on runway 27R; he wrote that the winds favored runway 18 but that runway was closed for an airshow later that afternoon. During touchdown the airplane started to "weathervane" into the wind. The pilot applied full right rudder and brake and was unable to correct the weathervane. The pilot added power to conduct a go around and the engine did not respond. The airplane skidded off of the runway, struck a runway light and sign, and came to rest on the nose. The right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident reported that when the carburetor was removed from the engine, the fuel inside of the carburetor had a yellow tint and smelled like turpentine with a hint of 100 LL. The fuel was drained from the fuel bowl on the bottom of the carburetor. The fuel inside of the wing tanks was consistent in smell and color with 100LL. The left wing fuel tank contained brown water stains and evidence of corrosion. The fuel sending unit was tarnished and the fuel tank contained contaminants of unknown origin. The carburetor was sent to the manufacturer for further examination and flow testing. The carburetor tested slightly rich off idle and was otherwise unremarkable. A sample of the fuel from the carburetor was sent to a laboratory for further examination. The analysis of the chemical composition of the fuel sample was consistent with previously measured aviation gasolines. Water content analysis revealed a water concentration in the fuel sample of 102 (plus or minus 20) u­g/g. An examination of the remaining airframe, flight controls, fuel system, and engine revealed no further anomalies. Wind at the time of the accident was reported as 170 degrees at 6 knots. The calculated crosswind component was 6 knots quartering tailwind from the left. Relevant meteorological information revealed a serious risk for carburetor icing at glide power. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1406K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1406K-2018-05-03), registration cancelled 2018-05-03, S/N 4133, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: LUSCOMBE 8 (E) - Registry model: [Luscombe 8E](https://openairdocs.org/model/luscombe-8e) (registry code 8190112) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 4133 - Year built: 1946 - Airframe hours: 6966 - Engines: Continental O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 24, 2014 - Departed: 5M6, Gladwin, MI - Destination: PTK, Pontiac, MI - Airport: PTK, Oakland County International, runway 27R, 5,676 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; restraint: none; flight hours: 1,870 total, 35 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: KPTK ## 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 20150823018989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150823018989A), Aug 23, 2015: Luscombe 8E, Waterford, MI, Substantial damage. Approaching ptk, the pilot brought up the ATIS. He found it difficult to pick out the wind information due to the excessive information on the air show that… ## Other investigations on N1406K (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 CHI91LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA118), Mar 14, 1991: Luscombe 8E (N1406K), Flushing, MI, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN PROPER RUNWAY ALIGNMENT AND NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN A GROUND LOOP. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITIONS… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 23, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=91860. 1.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 269 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436854&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - FAA (item 2, .PDF, 54 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436855&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20FAA-Master.PDF - Carburetor Icing Chart (item 3, .PDF, 67 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436856&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Carburetor%20Icing%20Chart-Master.PDF - Examination of AvGas - Final Report (item 4, .PDF, 547 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438035&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Examination%20of%20AvGas%20-%20Final%20Report-Master.PDF - Marvel Schebler Carburetor Examination Report (item 5, .PDF, 227 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436857&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Marvel%20Schebler%20Carburetor%20Examination%20Report-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 6, .PDF, 117 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436858&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.