What happened
On April 10, 2019, a private Luscombe 8E, registration LV-RUM, was performing a general aviation flight from Aeródromo Intendente Alvear to General Pico Airport in La Pampa, Argentina. At approximately 13:40 local time, the aircraft touched down on runway 16. Shortly after contact with the pavement, approximately 500 meters from the threshold, the structure of the right main landing gear collapsed. This failure caused the tailwheel to pivot sharply to the right, inducing an uncommanded left turn. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway and came to a stop on the left shoulder, sustaining significant damage to the right landing gear and the right wing semi-span. The pilot and one passenger sustained no injuries and evacuated the aircraft successfully.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear and the flight parameters during the final approach. Investigators examined the deformed landing gear components and identified that the structure had been subjected to loads exceeding its design strength. The analysis also revealed evidence of improper welding in certain areas of the assembly. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the aircraft's equipment, noting that the onboard 12-volt battery was a non-aviation grade component and that the aircraft lacked an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), despite having performed flights exceeding the 50-mile radius threshold in previous days. The fire extinguisher onboard was also found to be a 1 kg dry powder type, which differs from the recommended halogenated agents for small aircraft cabins.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the structural failure of the right main landing gear due to impact loads exceeding the assembly's strength limits.
- The aircraft was likely on a non-standard glidepath, crossing the threshold at an altitude higher than 50 feet, which likely resulted in an abnormal touchdown.
- Improper welding processes were identified in the landing gear structure.
- The aircraft was not equipped with an ELT, complicating potential search and rescue efforts for long-distance operations.
- The use of non-aeronautical grade components, specifically the battery, was noted as a safety risk factor.