Probable cause
The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun, impact with a fence, and a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff from a 2,400-ft-long private, grass airstrip, he was concerned the airplane would not clear the wires at the end of the runway, so he aborted the takeoff. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway, crossed a road, and went through a barbed wire fence. Subsequently, the airplane come to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About the time of the accident, the pilot estimated that the wind was from 290° at 8 knots. The pilot was departing from runway 18.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA224 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 20, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bremen, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Private Airport (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8
- N-number
- N1866B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1948
- 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.