FARMINGTON, NM, USA
N1143B
LUSCOMBE 8A
WHEN THE SOLO STUDENT PILOT ADDED POWER FOR TAKEOFF DURING A TOUCH-AND-GO LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT TURNED LEFT AND DEPARTED THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY ONTO SOFT GROUND WHERE THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR FOLDED AND THE NOSE AND RIGHT WING DUG IN. WIND AT THE TIME WAS 40 DEGREES RIGHT OF THE NOSE AT 5 KNOTS. THE PILOT HAD 52 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT TIME, 48 HOURS IN MAKE AND MODEL, AND 40 MINUTES AS PILOT-IN-COMMAND. HE WAS ON HIS FIRST SOLO FLIGHT FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT.
On June 9, 1995, at 0800 mountain daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N1143B, sustained substantial damage when it departed the side of the runway during takeoff roll at Farmington, New Mexico. The solo student pilot was not injured and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this local area student training flight and no flight plan was filed. The student pilot said the aircraft turned to the left and departed the runway onto soft ground as he added power for takeoff during a touch-and-go landing. The right main landing gear folded and the nose and right wing of the aircraft dug in. Reported wind at the time was 40 degrees to the right of the runway heading at 5 knots. According to the information provided on NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot had 52 hours total time, 48 in make and model, and 40 minutes as pilot in command. The pilot was on his first flight following solo endorsement. Examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector failed to reveal any structural or system failure or malfunction.
FAILURE BY THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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