Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The rough/uneven terrain was a factor in this accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane sustained a total loss of power shortly after liftoff. The cause of the loss of power was not determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 19, 1993, at 1130 hours Pacific daylight time, the right wing of a Luscombe 8E, N2485K, struck the ground and crashed shortly after taking off from runway 18L at Napa Airport, Napa, California. The pilot was beginning a local visual flight rules personal flight. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. Neither the certificated private pilot nor the certificated private pilot/passenger were injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The first pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that the engine suddenly lost power shortly after lift off. The pilot elected to land on the freshly plowed field next to the runway. The FAA, Sacramento Flight Standards District Office, did not conduct an on-scene investigation; the engine was not examined. -