Luscombe 8A Aircraft
The Luscombe 8A Silvaire is a classic, all-metal, side-by-side two-seat taildragger — one of the earliest all-metal light aircraft, loved for its sturdy construction, sprightly handling and elegant 1940s lines. Affordable to buy and run, it is a characterful and rewarding entry into classic taildragger ownership for pilots who enjoy hands-on flying.
4 used Luscombe 8A aircraft for sale · 2-seat · Reference price ~$40,000 ($25,000–$75,000) · updated 3 days ago
Luscombe 8A Specifications
Model specThe Luscombe 8A is a 2-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 90 kt (167 km/h), a range of 350 nm (648 km), and a useful load of 500 lbs (227 kg).
Luscombe 8A for Sale
Luscombe 8A asking prices range from $24,187 to $38,000, with a median of $30,640 (market reference $40,000).
Compare Luscombe 8A
See how the Luscombe 8A stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Luscombe 8A Price & Cost
How much does a Luscombe 8A cost? Used 8A prices: $24K – $38K, average $30K (median $30K); market reference $40K, across 4 priced of 4 active listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Luscombe 8A
Buying a Luscombe 8A comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:
What to check before buying
Frequently Asked Questions — Luscombe 8A
Cost?
8A vs 8E vs 8F?
Is it hard to fly?
Luscombe 8A Inventory by Country
| United Kingdom | 2 |
| Canada | 1 |
| United States | 1 |
Luscombe 8A by Price
| Under $100k | 1 |
| Under $200k | 1 |
| Under $300k | 1 |
| Under $500k | 1 |
Recently Sold Luscombe 8A
| 1946 8A | $38,000 |
Luscombe 8A Safety Record
Across all 8A variants, 216 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
216
Total Events
132
Incidents
20
Serious
27
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 12, 2025 | Fresno, CA | Incident | The pilot's improper application of left brake pedal during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional co… |
| Jul 05, 2025 | Newaygo, MI | Incident | The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning and his failure to adequately monitor the fuel level during the flight which result… |
| Feb 11, 2025 | Hampton, NH | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to land, which resulted in an exceedance of the airp… |
| Sep 21, 2024 | Elyria, OH | Incident | The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a direct crosswind. |
| Jun 12, 2024 | South Lake Tahoe, CA | Fatal (2) | — |
NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Luscombe 8A variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.