Luscombe 8A
Remus, MI — April 30, 2008
Event Information
| Date | April 30, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CHI08CA118 |
| Event ID | 20080602X00769 |
| Location | Remus, MI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.55444, -84.97861 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Luscombe |
| Model | 8A |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The loss of engine power during approach due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident were the unsuitable terrain and a tree.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during a local flight while on a base leg the engine began running rough. He turned final, applied power, and the engine began running smoothly. The engine then ran rough and smooth again according to the pilot. He said that the airplane contacted the ground short of the runway due to the loss of engine power. He stated that a wing impacted a tree during the landing. The airplane subsequently nosed over. Federal Aviation Administration Inspectors examined the wreckage. A brown varnish like substance was found seeping from the carburetor's fuel line. No further pre-impact anomalies were detected. The pilot reported that he used "automobile" gas and that "some fuel in the gas tank was left over from last year." His safety recommendation was that he "will never use other than fresh fuel [and] will completely drain old gas from tank at end of flying season."
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.