# NTSB FTW84LA233: Luscombe 8A, N45906, Colcord, OK, May 16, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 16, 1984, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Colcord, OK
- Coordinates: 36.25914, -94.690635 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2591&lon=-94.6906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21335
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA233
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21335/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA233

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - performance data - not attained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT DEPARTED DOWNWIND FROM AN UNIMPROVED FIELD TO AVOID POWER LINES AT THE UPWIND END OF THE FIELD. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL SUFFICIENT SPEED COULD NOT BE ATTAINED TO LIFT OFF AND CLEAR A FENCE AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE AIRCRAFT OFF AND CLIMB OVER THE FENCE, BUT THE MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUCK THE TOP WIRE OF THE FENCE AND THE LEFT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER AND RIGHT WING STRUCK THE FENCE POST. CONTROL WAS LOST AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO THE NEXT FIELD. THE PLT STATED THAT HAVING DEPARTED THIS FIELD MANY TIMES BEFORE, HE FELT CONFIDENT OF HIS PLANS FOR THE TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N45906](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N45906), registered now, S/N 2433, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LUSCOMBE 8A
- Registry model: [Silvaire LUSCOMBE 8A](https://openairdocs.org/model/silvaire-luscombe-8a) (registry code 8190120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2433
- Airframe hours: 1495
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Walter D. Hill
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 12, 1984
- Departed: SLG, SILOAM SPRINGS, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 162 total, 128 in this make and model, 110 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 4 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19840516076239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840516076239A), May 16, 1984: Luscom 8A, Colcord, OK, Substantial damage. High grass impeded downwind westerly takeoff. Ppowerlines at east end. Struck wire fence and fence post.

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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