# NTSB SEA07LA098: Luscombe 8F, N882JB, Ocala, FL, April 4, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 4, 2007, 18:40 local (22:40 UTC)
- Place: Ocala, FL
- Coordinates: 29.176944, -82.229164
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.1769&lon=-82.2292&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 25, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: North Florida FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 65574
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA07LA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65574/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA098

## Probable cause

The failure of the left main axle during the landing roll, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear.  A crosswind on the landing runway was a factor.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,axle - failure,total (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The pilot reported that during the landing roll on runway 18, the aircraft suddenly veered to the right.  The pilot attempted to control the aircraft using the rudder and control stick with no success.  The left wing struck the ground and the right wing raised as the left main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft came to a stop.  At the time of the accident, the local METAR information was reporting the winds from 250 degrees at 12 knots.  The sky was clear.  In a post accident inspection, an airframe mechanic determined that the left axle broke at the exit of the landing gear strut.

## Factual narrative

On April 4, 2007, at 1840 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe 8F, N882JB, experienced a left main landing gear failure during the landing roll at the Ocala International Airport, Ocala Florida.  The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight.  The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight which departed from Weirsdale, Florida, at 1820 eastern daylight time.

In a telephone conversation and written statement, the pilot reported that during the landing roll on runway 18, the aircraft suddenly veered to the right.  The pilot attempted to control the aircraft using the rudder and control stick with no success.  The left wing struck the ground and the right wing raised as the left main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft came to a stop.

At the time of the accident, the local METAR information was reporting a wind from 250 degrees at 12 knots.  The sky was clear.

In a postaccident inspection, an airframe mechanic determined that the left axle broke at the exit of the landing gear strut.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N882JB](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N882JB), registered now, S/N 6011, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Luscombe 8F
- Registry model: [Luscombe 8F](https://openairdocs.org/model/luscombe-8f) (registry code 8190114) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 6011
- Airframe hours: 6015.91
- Engines: Continental C-90-12F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Judith A. Betz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 2006
- Departed: 97FL, WEIRSDALE, FL
- Destination: KOCF, Ocala, FL
- Airport: OCF, Ocala Regional/Jim Taylor Fiel, runway 18, 6,907 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 1, 2005; seat: left; flight hours: 3,353 total, 1,463 in this make and model, 3,242 as pilot in command, 46 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.87 inHg
- Observed at: KOCF

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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