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Ed Anderson
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 475
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 Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 3:54 pm Post subject: Aluminum Tubing was Brake Fire wasBrakes |
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Hi Bob,
Hi Bob,
In my case I followed the plans exactly, the apparent cause was fatique of
the aluminum tubing which on the old RV-6A kits was bent to wrap around the
gear leg to provide some "flex" as brake calipers worked in an out. Mine
blew out a chuck of the tubing wall approx 1" long and 1/2 the circumference
of the tube. I mean the line did not just break at a point; it fractured
and blew out this segment.
Here is a photo of the tubing. You can see the long piece of the sidewall
taken out. There are several possibilities about why it broke. It had been
in use for 5 years and over 250 hours of flying time, numerous landings.
1. Material defect - possible but unlikely after 300 hours
2. Tubing damaged (rock or something) - again possible, but there was no
evidence of a dent or scratch that I could see
3. Possibly I work harden the aluminum tubing as I bent the loop around the
axis.
But, in any case, my nephew was taking a video when the line broke and a
fire ball rose above the wing when the fluid ignited - exciting times
commenced at that point. That was the same instant my right brake peddle
went to the floor and I ended up exiting the runway - fortunately into a
shallow ditch - managed to get the prop turned horizontal before hitting it.
So damage was limited to my brand new Michelin tire and tube and the wheel
pant.
I have heard of several similar incidents - few when you consider the
thousands of Rvs out there with aluminum tubing - however, take it from me
once, is more than enough if it happens to you.
Best Regards
Ed
Ed Anderson
Rv-6A N494BW Rotary Powered
Matthews, NC
eanderson(at)carolina.rr.com
http://www.andersonee.com
http://www.dmack.net/mazda/index.html
http://www.flyrotary.com/
http://members.cox.net/rogersda/rotary/configs.htm#N494BW
http://www.rotaryaviation.com/Rotorhead%20Truth.htm
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Ed Anderson
Rv-6A N494BW Rotary Powered
Matthews, NC
eanderson@carolina.rr.com |
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Tim Olson
Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 2872
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| Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:12 pm Post subject: Aluminum Tubing was Brake Fire wasBrakes |
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One thing I find interesting is how many people know/say that
you shouldn't use aluminum tubing for things like primer
lines that run between the engine and the cockpit, just for
the fact that aluminum can crack when it work hardens...yet
at the same time, many people don't believe this is a problem
with the brake lines around the gear legs. The gear leg/brake
area will flex far more drastically than most engine to
firewall lines will.
I think it's a no-brainer too....definitely flex lines out
around the wheel area. They should give a lifetime of service.
Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD
do not archive
Ed Anderson wrote:
[quote] Hi Bob,
Hi Bob,
In my case I followed the plans exactly, the apparent cause was fatique of
the aluminum tubing which on the old RV-6A kits was bent to wrap around the
gear leg to provide some "flex" as brake calipers worked in an out. Mine
blew out a chuck of the tubing wall approx 1" long and 1/2 the circumference
of the tube. I mean the line did not just break at a point; it fractured
and blew out this segment.
Here is a photo of the tubing. You can see the long piece of the sidewall
taken out. There are several possibilities about why it broke. It had been
in use for 5 years and over 250 hours of flying time, numerous landings.
1. Material defect - possible but unlikely after 300 hours
2. Tubing damaged (rock or something) - again possible, but there was no
evidence of a dent or scratch that I could see
3. Possibly I work harden the aluminum tubing as I bent the loop around the
axis.
But, in any case, my nephew was taking a video when the line broke and a
fire ball rose above the wing when the fluid ignited - exciting times
commenced at that point. That was the same instant my right brake peddle
went to the floor and I ended up exiting the runway - fortunately into a
shallow ditch - managed to get the prop turned horizontal before hitting it.
So damage was limited to my brand new Michelin tire and tube and the wheel
pant.
I have heard of several similar incidents - few when you consider the
thousands of Rvs out there with aluminum tubing - however, take it from me
once, is more than enough if it happens to you.
Best Regards
Ed
Ed Anderson
Rv-6A N494BW Rotary Powered
Matthews, NC
eanderson(at)carolina.rr.com
http://www.andersonee.com
http://www.dmack.net/mazda/index.html
http://www.flyrotary.com/
http://members.cox.net/rogersda/rotary/configs.htm#N494BW
http://www.rotaryaviation.com/Rotorhead%20Truth.htm
--
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