# NTSB SEA86LA118: Luscombe 8E, N1312B, Juneau, AK, May 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1986, 17:23 local (May 5, 1986, 01:23 UTC)
- Place: Juneau, AK
- Coordinates: 58.580085, -134.77037 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=58.5801&lon=-134.7704&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40401
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA118
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40401/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA118

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system - contamination (contributing factor)
  - fuel system - water (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - landing gear - overload (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

ACFT HAD HISTORY OF WATER IN FUEL AND THE SYSTEM WAS PURGED.DURING WINTER, THE PLT DID NOT FLY ACFT BUT RAN THE ENG PERIODICALLY. ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT, THE PLT REFUELED THE ACFT, COMPLETED A NORMAL PWR RUN-UP AND TOOK OFF. SHORTLYAFTER TAKEOFF, A PWR LOSS NECESSITATED A FORCED LANDING ON TIDAL FLATS. THE ACFT NOSED OVER AFTER THE RIGHT GEAR COLLAPSED UPON ENCOUNTERING A DEPRESSION. APRX ONE GALLON OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE FUEL SUMP AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE SAMPLE SHOWED WATER AND SOLID PARTICULATES. THE ENG WAS THEN STARTED AND IT RAN NORMALLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1312B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1312B-2020-01-03), registration cancelled 2020-01-03, S/N 5939, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LUSCOMBE 8E
- Registry model: [Luscombe 8E](https://openairdocs.org/model/luscombe-8e) (registry code 8190112) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5939
- Airframe hours: 1806
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ellen Searby
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 25, 1984, 10 hours before
- Departed: JNU, JUNEAU, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,776 total, 1,776 in this make and model, 1,676 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JNU

## 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 19860504040579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860504040579A), May 4, 1986: Luscom 8E, Juneau, AK, Substantial damage. Engine quit after takeoff. Nosed over during the landing on a tidal flat. Water found in the fuel system.

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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