# NTSB NYC90LA019: Luscombe 8A, N1160K, Windham, CT, October 29, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 29, 1989, 11:18 local (15:18 UTC)
- Place: Windham, CT
- Location: 41.6998° N, 72.1570° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Windham, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6998&lon=-72.1570&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 January 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36576
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA019
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36576/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA019

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ACHIEVE PROPER LIFT-OFF SPEED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - aborted
  - landing gear,wheel - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE LUSCOMBE 8A EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF. THE RIGHT WING DIPPED AND THE AIRCRAFT STARTED TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. THE PILOT PULLED THE POWER OFF AND THE AIRCRAFT SETTLED ON THE GRASS TO THE RIGHT OF THE RUNWAY. THE LEFT MAIN WHEEL BROKE OFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1160K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1160K), registered now, S/N 3887, 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: 3887
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-75-8 140 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard F. Jones
- Registered owner: Roger Dayton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: 5B0
- Airport: 5B0, Windham, runway 27, 4,360 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 220 total, 19 in this make and model, 170 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point -0 °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 19891029043439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891029043439A), Oct 29, 1989: Luscom 8A, Willimantic, CT, Substantial damage. Lost control after liftoff,veered to right,aborted and landed on grass off runway then ground looped into a ditch.

## Other investigations on N1160K (2)

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 CHI70D0227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI70D0227), Sep 6, 1969: Luscombe 8A (N1160K), Gobles, MI, substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI68F0113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI68F0113), Jun 26, 1967: Luscombe 8A (N1160K), Gobles, MI, substantial damage

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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