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  #1  
Old 10-01-2013, 03:11 PM
PerfTech's Avatar
PerfTech PerfTech is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Redlands, Ca.
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Default Failures in Tail Feathers????

....In light of some recent events and the incident in Canada a couple of years ago involving tail feathers, I am becoming somewhat paranoid. After viewing a thread showing some cracks or flaws in the front vertical spar mountings on two airplanes. We decided to make a mod that would eliminate this being a potential problem as I am sure most on this forum are aware of. My greatest fear in flying is a major control surface failure, an in flight fire or a midair collision. Many of you ordered this product from us as a little extra insurance. As people began to check their aircraft or they went to install this item, we began to receive e-mail stating that they had found cracks in their vertical spar attach plate. That would suggest that this is not just a couple of isolated incidents. I would like to see some photos of these mounting plates on the aircraft that experienced the major or complete tail failures, resulting in total destruction. Possibly we could determine how and where they failed. If anyone has this, or access to some, please let us know, as we would be extremely interested.
... We are currently looking at producing a tool or set of tools to easily access and check the torque on the rudder and elevator mountings (suggestion from a fellow forum member). We hope to have an offering of this tool soon. Anyone with an idea for this type of product, an improved part or mod that may increase safety or piece of mind for all of us, please, give us a call or drop us an e-mail. I promise if at all feasible, we will do our best to evaluate and produce your ideas. Thanks, Allan...
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  #2  
Old 10-01-2013, 03:24 PM
Maxrate Maxrate is offline
 
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Location: League city, TX
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Default

Allan,

Thanks for posting. I will be starting the fuse build soon and my check will be in the mail!
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  #3  
Old 10-01-2013, 03:44 PM
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Bob Martin Bob Martin is offline
 
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Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Posts: 1,230
Default Thanks

Allen,
Thanks for caring enough to offer this for ALL of us.
I have several of your products and like each one as they have improved or lessened maintenance for me. The next one may be a safety improvement.
I share your comments about your greatest fears, and they are what keep me looking for problems before they become issues. I look forward to any improvements.
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  #4  
Old 10-01-2013, 03:54 PM
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rv9av8tr rv9av8tr is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 827
Default CS jamb nut wrench

I agree, this "issue" is disconcerting and the outcome of the investigation will be very interesting.

I would suggest a box end style wrench with a slot that slides over the rodend shank and with the end bent enough that the box end sets flush to the jamb nut and tool shaft will clear the skin to allow it to turn.
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  #5  
Old 10-01-2013, 06:17 PM
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Don Patrick Don Patrick is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: GTA, Ontario
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Default RV-8

Hi Allan,

I'm at the fuse stage and will be mounting my tail feathers in the near future. Just curious, anything coming for the -8? I see the mod for the -7 and -9. I'm guessing the mod for the -7 will fit the -8?

Thanks

Don
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  #6  
Old 10-01-2013, 06:40 PM
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Default

Caution: Conclusions being jumped.
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  #7  
Old 10-01-2013, 06:44 PM
scsmith scsmith is offline
 
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Default check your PM's

I sent you a couple of ideas
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  #8  
Old 10-01-2013, 06:52 PM
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strahler13 strahler13 is offline
 
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DanH View Post
Caution: Conclusions being jumped.
Agree with Dan...as always.
Mark
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  #9  
Old 10-01-2013, 07:05 PM
BillSchlatterer BillSchlatterer is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 571
Default Vertical Spar Cracks ??

Allan, I'm not sure I have seen any post about cracks in the Vertical Spar Attach plate. Lots of loose jam nuts and a single crack in the elevator spar that goes between rivet holes with a doubler plate behind it. ( also with some evidence of previous potential weather damage)

Would be interested in seeing a picture of any cracks in the vert spar attach plates if you have them. In particular the front attach plate ??

Also not aware of any incidents with in flight failure where the aircraft was known to be operating in any normal flight range. Where would that post be ?

Thanks Bill
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Last edited by BillSchlatterer : 10-01-2013 at 08:26 PM.
  #10  
Old 10-01-2013, 07:10 PM
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rvbuilder2002 rvbuilder2002 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hubbard Oregon
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DanH View Post
Caution: Conclusions being jumped.
Pole vaulted may be a more appropriate statement.

Sorry for probably crossing the line (and this will probably get deleted by a moderator) but advertiser or not, this sounds far to much like scare tactic marketing to me.

The accident in Canada is well investigated and documented. The cause had nothing to do with the reinforcement part being promoted here.

The most recent accident is in early stages of an investigation. Making an assumption that this part would/might have prevented it is totally out of line.
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