Accident Overview
On May 20, 2023, at 0820 mountain daylight time, a Silvaire Luscombe 8A (registration N71983) was substantially damaged in an accident near Clovis, New Mexico. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction were not injured.
Flight Sequence
The flight instructor reported conducting a series of touch-and-go landings at Clovis Municipal Airport (CVN). While on the crosswind leg for runway 04, at approximately 300 ft above ground level, the airplane stopped climbing and entered a descending left turn. The instructor stated that rolling to the right seemed to create an out-of-trim condition that increased the rate of descent. With insufficient time to assess the engine or flight controls, the instructor initiated a landing in a nearby field. Neither pilot reported hearing a change in engine noise or feeling any vibrations. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. Both propeller blade tips were bent aft and exhibited some twisting.
Postaccident Examinations
FAA inspectors conducted two examinations of the wreckage. A mechanic also carried out an independent postaccident examination. The FAA inspectors found no significant anomalies with the airframe, flight controls, or engine. The mechanic discovered that the right aileron cables were installed incorrectly and twisted, but stated any mechanical interference resulting from this was slight and likely imperceivable during preflight checks or in flight. No wear was found on the cables from the interference, and no additional anomalies were noted with the flight control system.
The mechanic reported that both magnetos were timed to 0° before top dead center (BTDC). According to Continental Engines specifications, the correct magneto timing is 30° before top center (BTC). The method used by the mechanic to check the timing was not known. No other anomalies were found during the engine examination. The pilot told the FAA inspectors that both magnetos operated normally during engine start and taxi, and the engine rpm dropped and increased when switched off and on.
Weather Information
According to FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention, the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious icing at cruise power.