Luscombe 8A N1627K accident near Rexberg, Idaho

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information which resulted in a landing short of the runway.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was returning from a local flight when, on final approach for landing, he applied throttle with no response from the engine. The airplane landed in a field short of the runway, colliding with bushes and a fence before coming to rest in a river. After removal from the river, the airplane was subsequently flipped over by gusty winds and remained inverted for 5 days before the postaccident examination, which revealed no fuel in the wing tanks or gascolator. The amount of fuel onboard the airplane at the time of the accident and whether fuel drained from the airplane during the time it was inverted could not be determined. No other anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Based on the available information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR17LA122 for the full record.