Probable cause
A failure of the left main landing gear due to a preexisting crack and corrosion, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that upon touchdown on the runway, the tailwheel-equipped airplane drifted to the left. The pilot applied right rudder to correct, but the airplane continued to travel to the left and departed the left side of the runway. The airplane contacted a ditch and nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and left wing. Postaccident examination revealed that the left main landing gear leg had collapsed and exhibited severe corrosion and evidence of a preexisting crack. The pilot also reported that the main gear strut failed because of cracks and corrosion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA140 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 7, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Umatilla, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Umatilla Municipal Airport (X23)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8A
- N-number
- N77859
- 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.