DIMOCK, SD, USA
N71572
LUSCOMBE 8A
THE PLT WAS GIVING AIRPLANE RIDES TO SOME NEIGHBORS FROM HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. HE HAD JUST TAKEN OFF WITH A NEW PAX. A WITNESS REPORTED OBSERVING THE ACFT SKIMMING CLOSE TO THE GROUND AFTER LIFTOFF, AND THEN THE ACFT CLIMBED QUICKLY. THE ACFT THEN BANKED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT DURING WHICH TIME THE NOSE DROPPED AND THE ACFT DESCENDED RAPIDLY UNTIL IT IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ACFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A HIGHER HORSEPOWER ENG THEN AUTHORIZED FOR THIS MODEL ACFT. THIS LARGER HORSEPOWER ENG REQUIRED MODIFICATIONS, I.E., ADDITION OF A ENG OPERATED FUEL PUMP AND A WOBBLE PUMP OR INSTALLATION OF OVERHEAD FUEL TANKS. THE PURPOSE OF THE MODIFICATIONS WAS TO INSURE ADEQUATE FUEL FLOW AND HEAD PRESSURE TO THE ENGINE. THESE MODIFICATIONS WERE NOT MADE. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK BEHIND THE SEATS AND INSIDE OF THE FUEL LINES WERE RUSTY, RESTRICTING FUEL FLOW.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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