Safety Alert--Broken wd-415 trim cable attach weldment

vic syracuse · #1 09-16-2006, 11:15 AM

I thought I should let everyone know that yesterday during a preflight I noticed that the left trim tab had a little more slop in it than usual. I took off the trim cable access cover plate, and it came completely off, meaning the nut was broken from the wd-415 weldment. I know we have talked in the past about that particular piece not looking quite sturdy enough, and right now that looks to be the case. I have a little over 320 hours on the airplane. I did not notice it on my post flight Sunday, but on my preflight prior to my commute home yesterday.
Talk about a miracle, though, and the advantages of the RV community. I live at Mallard's Landing in Georgia, and so does Aaron Sims, another RV-10 builder who is not flying yet. Guess who's parts I got to borrow?

So, I am replacing both mine and Aarons with the parts from Dave at Rivethead-aero.com. Ordered them and 4 new cover plates from Van;s last night. I would recommend to those of you who are flying that you check these regularly.
Now, for my opinion on the actual safety if a failure occurs? I think the trim cables are pretty stiff. I did go ahead and make the 15 minute flight home with no problem. If both of them broke, we might have a different story, but that's only conjecture.

Here's the link for the parts:

http://www.rivethead-aero.com/rv10_005.htm

Vic

markerthebarker · #2 09-17-2006, 05:51 AM

I found that someone else recommended these on their website also, so for the $52 (Canadian), I ordered them right away. Took a couple weeks to get in, but they sure look sharp. Can't wait to get to that part of the build to put them in.

jrdalton · #3 09-17-2006, 07:07 PM

and they're great! The part in question is so much better than the Vans part is silly. He has several others like it that are just as good. Highly recommended.

Pete James · #4 09-18-2006, 07:29 AM

Hi gents,

Can you verify the web link? I may not be digging deep enough, but I don't seem to be able to find the Rv-10 parts.

Pete James (Iowa)

vic syracuse · #5 09-18-2006, 08:26 AM

I just tried it, too, and you're right---it's not working. I did a cut and paste on the link when I sent the email on Saturday, so it should be correct. Let's give it a while and see if the web site comes back up.

Vic

vic syracuse · #6 09-18-2006, 08:42 AM

I just tried it, too, and you're right---it's not working. I did a cut and paste on the link when I sent the email on Saturday, so it should be correct. Let's give it a while and see if the web site comes back up. I got a notice that the registration had expired.

Vic

N916K · #7 09-18-2006, 09:46 AM

Check to see if the square that rivets to the cover is made of stainless or not. I have seen a few that the base was ferris steel and the nut was stainless. One that was made with unlike metals broke on installation.

Rick S. · #8 09-27-2006, 08:38 AM

Van's just released an SB to replace all of the old 415's. Anything shipped after Sept. 06 has the new parts.

jlfernan · #9 09-27-2006, 05:01 PM

Here's the link. I just ordered a wd-415 for my 9A.

http://www.rivethead-aero.com/rv10.html

jlfernan · #10 10-10-2006, 06:15 PM

I bought one bracket for my 9A, got it today and it looks great. They also engraved my fuel caps and did a great job for half the price of that other guy.