# NTSB LAX97LA025: Luscombe 8A, N71643, El Cajon, CA, October 26, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 26, 1996, 16:55 local (23:55 UTC) - Place: El Cajon, CA - Coordinates: 32.789871, -116.959663 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7899&lon=-116.9597&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 May 30, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29671 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX97LA025 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29671/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA025 ## Probable cause unfavorable weather condition(s), which caused the aircraft to descend at a rate that exceeded its climb capability. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - dust devil/whirlwind (cause) - weather condition - downdraft (cause) - climb - not possible - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis During climb out after a touch-and-go landing on runway 27L, the pilot observed a dust devil and debris blowing across the departure end of the runway. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the aircraft's wings rocked similar to a wake turbulence encounter. The aircraft started descending at about 500 feet per minute although full throttle was applied and the aircraft was reportedly at best climb speed. The pilot tried to maneuver for a landing on the parallel runway (9L), but collided with terrain in an open dirt area about 500 feet short of the runway threshold. He estimated no more than 10 seconds elapsed from the time he felt the wings rock until he was on the ground. He added that there was no mechanical problem with the aircraft. Tower personnel reported that there had been freak wind gusts up to 50 knots that lasted 2 to 3 minutes, followed by calm wind conditions. ## Factual narrative On October 26, 1996, at 1655 hours Pacific daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N71643, was substantially damaged during a collision with the ground following takeoff on runway 27L at Gillespie Field, El Cajon, California. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area personal flight. The pilot reported that he had completed four touch-and-go landings on runway 27L. Winds were aligned with the runway at about 12 knots and there was no turbulence present while he flew in the airport traffic pattern. The aircraft was climbing out after the fourth touch-and-go, and had reached about 250 feet agl at midfield, when the pilot observed a dust devil and debris blowing across the departure end of the runway. As the aircraft approached the departure end of the runway, he felt the aircraft's wings rock like a wake turbulence encounter. In the next few seconds the aircraft started descending at about 500 feet per minute, although he had full throttle applied and was in climb attitude at 70 miles per hour. He tried to turn back to the parallel runway 9L, but collided with terrain in an open dirt area about 500 feet west of the runway threshold. He estimated that from the time he felt the wings rock until he was on the ground was no more than 10 seconds. He added that there were no mechanical problems with the aircraft. Gillespie tower personnel reported to a San Diego Flight Standards District Office inspector that after the accident there had been freak wind gusts up to 50 knots that lasted 2 to 3 minutes, followed by calm wind conditions. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N71643](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N71643), registered now, S/N 3070 (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: 3070 - Engines: Continental A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Michael J. La France - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1996 - Departed: SEE - Airport: SEE, Gillespie Field, runway 27L, 2,737 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,200 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 25 knots - Visibility: 25 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken - Temperature: 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: SEE ## 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 19961026034169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961026034169A), Oct 26, 1996: Luscom 8A, El Cajon, CA, Substantial damage. Encountered dust devil on initial climbout. Lost control. Tried turn back. Impacted 500FT west of runway. 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.