Preliminary information
On July 7, 2026, about 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N45886, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Novato, California. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
While conducting touch-and-go takeoff and landings on runway 31 at Gnoss Field (DVO), Novato, California, the engine experienced a partial loss of power during the departure climb about 600 ft above ground level. As the pilot attempted to return to the departure runway, he applied carburetor heat and the engine briefly regained power before experiencing a total loss of power. The pilot then moved the fuel selector from the wing tanks to the fuselage tank; however, he was unable to restart the engine.
Subsequently, the airplane touched down in an area of soft gravel about 10 ft short of runway 13, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid about 20 ft before it came to rest upright. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that both wings sustained substantial damage.
The airplane was recovered for further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA251 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 7, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Novato, California
- Nearest airport
- Gnoss Fld (DVO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8A
- N-number
- N45886
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.