Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he lost directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. The airplane encountered soft ground conditions when it reached the shoulder of the runway. The airplane went into the adjoining field and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there was no malfunction or system failure of the airplane before the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA453 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ellinwood, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Ellinwood Airport (1K6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8A
- N-number
- N45957
- 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.