Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control while taking off with a gusting wind.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during the takeoff ground roll the airplane encountered a sudden gust of wind and turned left. The pilot corrected with right rudder, but the airplane departed the runway and bounced several times before the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot further reported that wind at the airport was shifting.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA397 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 1, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Zelienople, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Zelienople Municiple Airport (PJC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8C
- N-number
- N4113M
- 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.