scsmith
Well Known Member
Back in 2012 there was a discussion thread that resulted from two cases of finding cracks in the forward fin attachment bracket.
There was some indication that those particular parts might have been assembled so that the forward fin spar edge was impinging on the bend radius of the attachment bracket, rather than nesting properly. There was also discussion about possible pre-load in the bracket from improper shimming of any gap in the parts as they were assembled.
This thread elevated awareness of this area as one that should be carefully inspected during condition inspections.
Additionally, there is now a service bulletin calling for inspection of the horizontal tail forward spar in this same general area. So, for some time now, there have been a lot of eyes looking at this area.
What I would like to know, now, is:
Beyond the two cases that were reported previously of cracks in the forward fin attach bracket, F-681, F-781, F-981 as the case may be, are there any additional cases that have been discovered/reported?
There was some indication that those particular parts might have been assembled so that the forward fin spar edge was impinging on the bend radius of the attachment bracket, rather than nesting properly. There was also discussion about possible pre-load in the bracket from improper shimming of any gap in the parts as they were assembled.
This thread elevated awareness of this area as one that should be carefully inspected during condition inspections.
Additionally, there is now a service bulletin calling for inspection of the horizontal tail forward spar in this same general area. So, for some time now, there have been a lot of eyes looking at this area.
What I would like to know, now, is:
Beyond the two cases that were reported previously of cracks in the forward fin attach bracket, F-681, F-781, F-981 as the case may be, are there any additional cases that have been discovered/reported?
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