BRISTOL, IN, USA
N71492
LUSCOMBE 8A
THE PILOT STATED HE SIDE SLIPPED THE AIRPLANE TO THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD, THEN MADE A WHEEL LANDING. DURING ROLLOUT THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY RAISED THE RIGHT WING TO VEER OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE GRASS STRIP TOWARDS THE AIRPORT BUILDINGS. THE PILOT REPORTED HE FELT THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR TIP INWARDS SO HE STRAIGHTENED OUT THE LANDING ROLL. THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST ABOUT 30 FEET OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY IN A CORN FIELD, WITH THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. THE PILOT STATED HE LANDED TO THE NORTHEAST (UPHILL) ON THE 800 FOOT LONG GRASS STRIP. THE PILOT REPORTED THE WINDS WERE OUT OF 240 DEGREES AT 5 KNOTS, AND THE RUNWAY CONDITION WAS 'DAMP, FRESH CUT.'
On October 7, 1993, at 0930 hours eastern standard time, a Luscombe 8A, N71492, piloted by a private pilot/airplane mechanic, veered off the left side of the 800 foot long grass runway at the Hatfield airstrip in Bristol, Indiana. The airplane sustained substantial damage when the left main landing gear collapsed as it veered into a cornfield. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the business flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Nappanee, Indiana approximately 0915 hours. The pilot reported he approached from the southwest, landing (uphill) to the northeast. He stated he side slipped the airplane to the runway threshold, then made a wheel landing. As the airplane rolled out, the pilot intentionally raised the right wing to veer off the left side of the runway towards the airport buildings. The pilot felt the left main landing gear "...tipped inwards..." so he straightened out the ground roll. The airplane continued off the departure end of the runway about 30 feet into standing corn, with the left main landing gear folded under.
the pilot's abrupt maneuver (intentional swerve) and main gear collapse during the landing roll on a short grass strip.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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