Captain Avgas
Well Known Member
Possible new info:
Look at the rib at the right of the photo though, specifically the bend in the flange that joins it to the back of the front spar. Right beside that top rivet, is a crack that extends down at least the width of the rivet head. It's very faint to see, but the rivet head is just above the center of the photo, the crack just to the right of it.
Rob, fascinating photo. And very important. Good on you. You are to be commended for observing this and posting an image.
People who have been inspecting their aircraft and reporting no cracks might like to take a second look if all they were inspecting in the first instance was the "notched" area (ie. they were too focused).
As per my post #400, this shows the reason why people with cracks need to be posting a photograph. This type of visual information could very easily result in Vans having a second think about this issue.
It certainly looks like a crack in the photo. Are you certain that it is.