Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering following a loss of engine power for unknown reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Witnesses stated that immediately after takeoff, about 200 ft agl, the airplane made a sharp 180 deg right turn back toward the runway. The airplane stalled and impacted terrain on the south side of the runway. The pilot stated to witnesses in the area that the engine had stopped producing power after takeoff, and he attempted to return to the airfield. The pilot/owner did not make the engine available for examination.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 12, 1993, about 1100 eastern standard time, a Luscombe 8F, N822B, collided with the ground during an uncontrolled descent near Griffin, Georgia. The airplane was operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local, personal flight. The private pilot had serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. Witnesses stated that the aircraft was departing toward the east at the private sod airfield. It appeared that the airplane made a sharp right turn, as if trying to return to the runway. The airplane appeared to stall, and impacted the ground on the south side of the airport. Witnesses stated that the pilot said that the engine stopped producing power after takeoff, and he attempted to return to the airfield. The owner/pilot failed to complete the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, and declined to make the engine available for further examination. He was ambulatory at the accident site and requested that a friend of his, who was at the accident site, take care of the wreckage. The friend had done maintenance work on the airplane. The wreckage was removed from the accident site to a local salvage yard. Subsequently, the owner retrieved the wreckage. Numerous telephone calls were made in an attempt to contact the owner, all without success. The friend who retrieved the wreckage was also asked to induce the owner to contact this investigator, again, without success. A blank Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form was sent to the owner/pilot. It was returned as unclaimed (copy attached). -