# NTSB SEA85FA212: Luscombe 8A, N2073K, Renton, WA, September 14, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 14, 1985, 12:48 local (19:48 UTC)
- Place: Renton, WA
- Coordinates: 47.510158, -122.180976 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.5102&lon=-122.1810&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40062
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA212
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40062/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA212

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - carburetor heat - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - delayed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE INEXPERIENCED, LOW TIME STUDENT PILOT REPORTED A GRADUAL LOSS OF POWER WHILE OPERATING HIS LUSCOBE 8A AIRCRAFT ON A PERSONAL, LOCAL FLIGHT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A STROMBERG CARBURETOR WHOSE MIXTURE WAS PERMANENTLY WIRED FULL OPEN AND POWER WAS CONTROLLED SOLELY THROUGH THE THROTTLE. TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT NEAR THE SITE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 64 DEGREES AND 52 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY AND CONDITIONS FOR CARBURETOR ICING WERE HIGH. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT VESTABLISED IN A RELATIVELY FAST AND NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE FORCED LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2073K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2073K-2013-02-07), registration cancelled 2013-02-07, S/N 4800, built 1947 (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: 4800
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jay Underwood
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: WA35, MAPLE VALLEY, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 46 total, 46 in this make and model, 23 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BFI, 8 nm away

## 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 19850914072619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850914072619A), Sep 14, 1985: Luscom 8A, Renton, WA, Destroyed. Hard forced landing following power loss. Landing reported to be fast and nose down. Suspect carburetor ice.

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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