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Clem Nichols
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 88
Location: Munfordville, Ky
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 Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:17 am Post subject: wingtip crack |
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----- Subject: wingtip crack
I have just noticed a 12 inch longitudinal hairline crack along the outside edge of the right wingtip on my Model IV 1200. I had originally thought it was just a scratch in the paint, but unfortunately that's not the case. I have no idea what could have caused this as the wingtip has never struck anything at least since I've owned the plane. My question is, can this be safely repaired, or should the wingtip be replaced. It appears to be perfectly sound otherwise, and because of the cracks location it wouldn't seem to me to be subject to a great deal of in-flight stress. I wonder about drilling a small hole at each end of the crack to keep it from extending any further, and then using an epoxy glue on the crack and epoxy filler on the drilled holes. Does this sound reasonable (ie safe)? Any opinions/recommendations appreciated.
Clem Nichols
[quote][b]
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n85ae
Joined: 14 Mar 2007
Posts: 403
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:33 am Post subject: Re: wingtip crack |
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It isn't a stressed part, so there's really no reason you can't fix it. Just scuff the inside with some 80 grit. Get some T-88 in there, and flow it into the crack via a little heat from a heat gun. Then put in a layer or two of glasscloth behind the crack. Should be good as new.
I dropped one of my wing tips 4 years ago, and the trailing edge split. I put some T-88 in it, and taped it together til cured, and it still holding today.
Regards,
Jeff Hays
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Bob
Joined: 24 Oct 2006
Posts: 89
Location: Damascus, Maryland, USA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:35 am Post subject: Re: wingtip crack |
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Assuming it's fiberglass, it's very repairable by patching from the inside. The patch thickness needs to taper of in layers and within an inch of the crack need to be as thick as the original FAA publication AC43.13 has good illustrations. If've you've never done glass work, see if you can find some help, preferabley from somebody who knows the difference between working on airplanes and boats.
Bob
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fox5flyer(at)idealwifi.ne
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:41 am Post subject: wingtip crack |
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Those tips are fiberglass with a gel coating on the outside. More than likely the crack is only in the gel coating and nothing to worry about. Fiberglass is pretty tough stuff. An easy repair would be to rough sand it, apply a 1" wide strip of fiberglass with resin over it. Sand, fill, and paint.
Deke
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d(at)cfisher.com
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:54 am Post subject: wingtip crack |
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my Droops tips are two piece and bonded together. I had one split on seam last year and I just put in some 5 min epoxy and clamped it together for an hour. Never come apart again. I would guess close to 300 hours flying since the repair.
If your tips are easily removed , I wold take off and add a piece of glass inside. Mine are not removable easily.
Dave
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pwmac(at)sisna.com
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:49 am Post subject: wingtip crack |
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True gel coat cracks are not an issue. But, wing tips that did not get the lay up to join the two halves might present a problem. One must look inside to see if the inside lay ups are present. Mine had no lay ups and were just bonded together with epoxy. I believe others found the same thing
Paul
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Clem Nichols
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 88
Location: Munfordville, Ky
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 8:31 am Post subject: wingtip crack |
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Paul:
Thanks to you and the others who have responded to my question. I think you
have hit the nail on the head, and that's exactly what I intend to do,
remove the wingtip, and see what it looks like on the inside.
Clem
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84KF
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 9:00 am Post subject: Re: wingtip crack |
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Clem,
Excellent decision.
Not that any defect or flaw will be detected, but we do have individual responsibilities.
ยง 91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness.
"(b) The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in condition for safe flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur."
steve
http://84kf.blogspot.com/
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