Halfway Through The Turn, The Engine Sustained A Total Loss Of Engine Power

Location: Kingsbury, TX Accident Number: CEN22LA423
Date & Time: September 10, 2022, 15:30 Local Registration: N25144
Aircraft: Luscombe 8A Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 10, 2022, about 1530 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8A airplane, N25144, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Kingsbury, Texas. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, he had not flown the airplane “for some time.” The pilot performed the preflight inspection with no anomalies noted. The fuel tank was full of fuel (8 gallons of 100 low lead). The pilot started the airplane, taxied to the north end of the runway, and performed the run-up procedure with no anomalies noted.

The airplane departed from the runway and the pilot noticed the engine was “performing very well.” The airplane climbed to about 400 ft agl and the pilot initiated a left turn. About halfway through the turn, the engine sustained a total loss of engine power. The pilot reported there was “no cough” or “no sputter” and the engine “just died.” The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the loss of engine power to no avail. The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to an open field. The pilot then realized the airplane would not make the open field and the pilot maneuvered the airplane for a wooded area. The airplane came to rest in trees. The pilot was able to egress from the airplane without further incident.

The pilot reported that at the time of the loss of engine power, the engine was operating at full power and the last time he had the carburetor heat on was during the run-up procedure. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage.

The airplane was recovered from the accident site for a future examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov