FTW02LA055

The pilot was in level flight at 1,300 AGL for about 10 minutes when the engine lost power without warning. Actions to restore engine power were not successful so the pilot elected to land in a nearby open field. The airplane touched down hard, and the airplane nosed over. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

On December 7, 2001, at 1100 central standard time, a Luscombe 8A single-engine airplane, N1212B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Haltom City, Texas. The airplane was registered to, and operated by Mad Max Aerobatics, Inc., of Sadler, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the Hillcrest Airport, at approximately 1045.

In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the 14,000-hour pilot reported the airplane had been in level flight at 1,300 AGL for about 10 minutes, when the engine lost power without any warning. The pilot performed the appropriate actions to restore engine power, to no avail. The pilot elected to attempt to land the airplane in an open field located north of the Haltom City High School.

The pilot further stated that they barely made the 600 to 800 foot long field. The airplane touched down hard, collapsing the main landing gear, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest in the inverted position. Both occupants were able to exit the airplane unassisted. There was no fire.

Examination of the vintage airplane revealed that the fuselage was buckled, the vertical stabilizer was crushed, and both main landing gears were damaged.

The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.