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Rwmurrayhm(at)aol.com
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 Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 3:10 am Post subject: Fuselage Composite Failure/Plane Total Loss |
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An Allegro 2007 was recently declared a total loss because of fuselage composite deformation and de-lamination. A crease or ripple began developing just in front of the pilot side door and ultimately traveled under the fuselage and up towards the passenger side door. Composite experts determined that the structural integrity of the fuselage was compromised. A small leak in the fuel tank had allowed fuel (MoGas) to seep into the underlying composite and soften it. The crease seems to follow the front of the fuel tank as it is glassed into the fuselage.
Fantasy Air's subcontractor for the fuselage (Composit Airplanes of the Czech Republic) said in an e-mail:
"It was produced over 200 fuselages and this is third (3.) case.
It was always caused with bad landings. The laminate fuel tank is produced separated in special mold and is glued in fuselage after complete treatment against effect of fuel. But it is strength component of whole fuselage. Tank tightness is very responsibly tested - 3 days pressure. The whole fuselage is epoxy with glass reinforcements and sandwich material is HEREX. The fuel tank is the same just special chemicals resistant epoxy is used and sandwich material is SORICK.
In accordance with photo sent I think that the fuselage is greatly damaged and from our point of view is
unrepairable."
I believe the fuel tank leak developed from a flat tire experienced upon landing. At the time there was no visible damage from the event. The tire was changed and the aircraft flew another 20 hours. Fuel never visibly leaked out or even stained the gel coat. Nor was there ever any discernible loss of fuel. It may have only taken a quart or two of fuel sitting in the composite for months to soften it. The flat tire was in May 2010; the damage became evident between November 2010 and January 2011. The aircraft was normally hangared with half a tank or more of fuel on board.
Richard Murray
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N456TS
Joined: 15 Aug 2015
Posts: 70
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: Fuselage Composite Failure/Plane Total Loss |
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So, I might be the 4th Allegro 2007 to have a fuel tank breach. I've attached a photo. It was leased for Flight training at B-Bar-D.
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N456TS
Joined: 15 Aug 2015
Posts: 70
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| Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 10:50 am Post subject: Re: Fuselage Composite Failure/Plane Total Loss |
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Composit Airplanes says that unless it becomes soft, there is nothing to worry about. So, that's good, but if it ever becomes soft, it sounds like it would already be past the point of repair? I don't know.
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