Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor was the high wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that upon return from a local area flight, he 'was attempting to back the aircraft up by flying into a steady south wind, just above the stall.' As he flew the airplane low and slow over the runway, the winds suddenly stopped. The pilot stated that the trees surrounding the airstrip may have blocked the wind, resulting in a loss of control.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 4, 1996, at 1400 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N71973, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Corsicana, Texas. The airplane, owned and operated by a private owner, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the pilot's private airstrip approximately an hour prior to the accident. According to the pilot, upon return from a local area flight, he "was attempting to back the aircraft up by flying into the wind, just above the stall." He reported that the winds were initially steady from the south. As he flew the airplane low and slow over the runway, the wind suddenly stopped. The pilot stated that the trees surrounding the airstrip may have blocked the wind, resulting in a loss of control. The 1946 vintage airplane impacted trees resulting in structural damage to both wings and the attaching point for the left main landing gear. The accident was reported to the NTSB on July 22, 1996. -