# NTSB CHI00LA051: Luscombe 8A, N1363K, Orleans, NE, December 25, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 25, 1999, 09:45 local (15:45 UTC) - Place: Orleans, NE - Coordinates: 40.130336, -99.449485 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1303&lon=-99.4495&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report November 30, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 48378 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI00LA051 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48378/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA051 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the power line. The power line was a factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor) - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - physiological condition, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The airplane impacted terrain after striking utility wires near Orleans, Nebraska. According to Sheriff's report of the accident, the first respondents to the scene found the aircraft in an inverted position. The pilot was found within the aircraft with his seat belt attached and his neck was bent down on his chest and he was against the roof of the aircraft. An on scene examination of the aircraft failed to detect any preexisting anomalies with respect to the airframe, engine or their related systems. The wreckage was located about 100 yards from downed power lines and wire was found wrapped around the aircraft fuselage. A friend of the pilot stated that the pilot would occasionally fly over his house when he was in town. He also stated that on the date of the accident, he heard an aircraft flying in the vicinity of his house. He stated that the engine sounded normal until the 'engine just stopped'. A toxicological examination report showed a glucose level of 105 mg/dl detected in the urine. The report states that postmortem levels above 100 mg/dl are considered abnormal. ## Factual narrative On December 25, 1999, at 0945 central standard time, a Luscombe 8A, N1363K, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain after striking utility wires near Orleans, Nebraska. The personal flight was conducted under the provision of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The local flight originated from a private airstrip near Orleans, Nebraska, at an undetermined time. The pilot was born on July 5, 1949, and was the holder of a private pilot certificate with a single engine land rating. His second class medical certificate was issued on November 24, 1998, at which time he reported his flight experience as 105 hours. According to Sheriff's report of the accident, the first respondents to the accident scene found the aircraft in an inverted position. The pilot was found within the aircraft with his seat belt attached and his neck was bent down on his chest and he was against the roof of the aircraft. An autopsy was performed by Central Laboratory Associates, P.C. in Kearney, Nebraska. A toxicological examination performed by the Federal Aviation Administration was negative for alcohol and for drugs. The toxicological examination report showed a glucose level of 105 mg/dl detected in the urine. The report states that postmortem levels above 100 mg/dl are considered abnormal. An on scene examination of the aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration was conducted. The wreckage was located about 100 yards from downed power lines and wire was found wrapped around the aircraft fuselage. No preexisting anomalies were detected with respect to the airframe, engine or their related systems. The carburetor fuel bowl was separated. The wing leading edges were crushed aft to the wing spar. The left wing strut was severed. In a telephone interview, a friend of the pilot stated that the pilot would occasionally fly over his house when he was in town. He also stated that on the date of the accident, he heard an aircraft flying in the vicinity of his house. He stated that the engine sounded normal until the "engine just stopped". ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1363K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1363K-2012-09-18), registration cancelled 2012-09-18, S/N 4090, 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: 4090 - Airframe hours: 1605 - Engines: Continental A&C65 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Bose Garage Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 30, 1996, 74 hours before - Departed: PVT ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 105 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: HDE, 20 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 19991225040589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19991225040589A), Dec 25, 1999: Luscom 8A, Orleans, NE, No damage, 1 fatal. (-23) Pilot departed family owned private airstrip in aircraft that did not have annual inspection since 7/30/1996. Pilot flew low over house and became… 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.