Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the stuck exhaust valve resulting in the partial loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
During the departure climb, the pilot noted a partial loss of engine power and attempted to return to the airport. The airplane impacted a cornfield in a nose low attitude resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. An examination of the engine revealed that the number two exhaust valve was stuck in the open position. An examination of the remaining engine and airplane systems revealed no anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA012 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 11, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Weeping Water, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- Browns Airport (NE69)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Luscombe 8E
- N-number
- N1536B
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.