Last May, WarbirdsNews reported that the TBM-3E Avenger operated by the Commemorative Air Force’s Rocky Mountain Wing had suffered damage while taxiing at Glendale Municipal Airport near Phoenix, Arizona (Click HERE to see our report). The Avenger’s left main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft sank down onto its port wing, with the propeller striking the tarmac and stopping the engine abruptly. The propeller was badly damaged and the engine suffered shock loading. The left outer wing panel also suffered some damage, as well as the lower nose cowling, fuselage and bomb bay doors. The CAF moved the aircraft by road to Airbase Arizona in Mesa, and this is where the repairs have been taking place. We thought our readers would like to know how the ‘turkey’ is progressing on her journey back to flight…
The Rocky Mountain Wing’s Maintenance Officer reports the following… “Paying for full time effort has achieved the desired effect, giving the TBM repair project a real boost in progress. The year began with the wing supported by scaffolding as the skins were removed for internal repairs. These internal repairs are now completed by Grant and Kevin. Enough of the upper and lower skins have been replaced to provide the structural integrity that the scaffolds have been removed. The leading edge requires special tooling which will be done by a local company which has donated other similar efforts. The front cowlings and accessory deck are the next to be completed before the overhauled engine and new propeller can be mounted. We will take this opportunity to install new hoses and wiring harnesses for the engine compartment. Lower fuselage and bomb bay doors also require some sheet metal work. A call will be made for RMW volunteers to help out when it can be done – perhaps within a month. Things are looking more hopeful for the 2015 airshow season.”
You can contribute to the Avenger’s restoration by visiting the Rocky Mountain Wing’s site HERE, or the Fundraiser Campaign HERE which also has additional photos of the restoration.
I love the reports you guys post to your site! Just a thought, maybe in the future change your photo captions to a darker print so they can be read easier. They are very light and sometimes hard to read.
You are right Greg. We will change it as soon as possible. Feel like writing for us?