Rudder Damage from Wind

[mbuehler]

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002

Inertia
...

Unfortunately I had the same thing happen to me, and it is from inertia. Very strong windstorm broke the tiedown straps and it spun the plane unlocking the rear wheel / rudder. Same denting / tearing on trailing edge. It just kept flexing back and forth until it tore / folded. You can even see where it bent so far the hinge got into the skin. The holes on the side are from the elevator.





End result was getting a new rudder built. On the plus side (insurance took care of this) it is one of the easiest pieces to build and replace.

[Steve Melton]

Originally Posted by sinflrobot

Some wind got a hold of my rudder during the last front that came through. Overall it still appears straight, but I am a bit concerned about what to do with two small tears in the trailing edge. It doesn't look horrible, but I was wondering what more experienced folks think the best way to repair this is.

if I remember correctly from some past photo's, this is the approximate location they begin to tear during a flutter event.

[rockwoodrv9]

It it got that damaged by banging back and flexing both ways, holy ****. It could be more than just the rudder that needs to be looked at.

[sinflrobot]

Mine is definitely not as bad as yours was (no dent, trailing edge still straight), but it sounds like a rebuild.

I'm pretty sure this is the larger 8 tail. Would this be the same tail that is on early 7s as well? I got a PM with a good price on a folded trailing edge rudder from a 7 build.

Thanks for all the input!

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by rockwoodrv9

It it got that damaged by banging back and flexing both ways, holy ****. It could be more than just the rudder that needs to be looked at.

Yep, check the mounts in the V stab for any play, loose jam nuts, cracked paint around the mounting hardware etc.

All that inertia from swinging in the wind was connected at the hinge line.

Dont forget Newton's 3rd.

[Ted RV8]

Good opportunity to upgrade to 7 or 8 vertical stab and rudder.
Call Van’s to verify. Much better rudder authority in cross wind landings and better spin recovery.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ight=empennage

[Dbro172]

That is one heckuva trim tab. Maybe try a new rudder, test fly, other rigging adjustments as needed.

[terrykohler]

Highly likely it?s badly bowed. A new skin may not be enough.
Terry, CFI
RV9A N323TP

[sjhurlbut]

Exact thing happened to me in Magdalen Islands in RV7A. Rudder lock broke and split the rudder in same location. Winds were gusty 40 kts and there was no hangar to store the aircraft. Airport manager called me and in broken English simply said ?your airplane is broken?.

There was AME there and we repaired rudder with alum sheet and pop rivets. Took off tail fairing and inspected everything. Flew airplane home about 1 hour with no issues. Trim was a bit off but no big deal. I wouldn?t personally say the aircraft is grounded just don?t take airplane to VNE.

Replacing skin is not worth it. Ordered new rudder from Vans for like $300.

Stu

Originally Posted by sinflrobot

Some wind got a hold of my rudder during the last front that came through. Overall it still appears straight, but I am a bit concerned about what to do with two small tears in the trailing edge. It doesn't look horrible, but I was wondering what more experienced folks think the best way to repair this is.



(Its an RV6A, so it doesn't have the riveted in trailing edge wedge.)

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by sjhurlbut

Replacing skin is not worth it. Ordered new rudder from Vans for like $300.

As mentioned already, this working depends on the vintage of the emp kit that this RV-6A was built from.

It will work if it is a late version counter balanced rudder.

There is a very good chance it would not work if it is an early rudder.

Regardless of which it was, re-skinning would be quite a bit quick. Particularly with a later version pre-punch rudder.
Prep a new skin.
Drill the old one off.
Rivet the new one on.
Done