Luscombe 8A N45923

Summary

On 3 January 2013 at about 00:05 local time, a Luscombe 8A registered N45923, operated by Glen P RAY, was involved in an accident near Oceano, California, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

3 January 2013 at 00:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Oceano, California, United States

Nearest airport

Oceano County Airport (L52)

Coordinates

35.0661, -120.6183

Aircraft

Luscombe 8A

Registration

N45923

Category

Airplane

Year built

1946

Engines

1

Operator

Glen P RAY

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Oceano → Oceano

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR13FA083

1 person died.

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control and his improper decision to begin a low-level maneuver at an altitude that was not sufficient for recovery before ground impact. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from marijuana use.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported that they observed the airplane flying low above the beach before it ascended abruptly. When the airplane was about 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the ascent stopped, and the airplane then descended in a nose low attitude to ground impact. Witnesses also reported that the engine sounded normal during the accident sequence. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot had a reported history of marijuana abuse. Toxicology testing on the pilot was positive for tetrahydrocannabinol at levels that indicate he was likely impaired during the flight. This impairment likely affected the pilot's ability to maintain airplane control and his decision to begin a low-level flight maneuver at an altitude that was not sufficient for recovery before impact with the ground.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.