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h&jeuropa
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 645
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 Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 11:45 am Post subject: LG frame cracks |
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We discovered a potential safety issue and wanted to share this so others become aware of the situation and can inspect their aircraft.
We are in the process of our annual condition inspection on our mono wheel. This year is extensive since motor mounts and bungee cord need replaced. After being alerted by John Wigney of possible cracks in the lower tubes of the LG frame, we inspected and discovered our frame is cracked like his. The cracks are very difficult to find as they are somewhat hidden by the firewall and behind the vertical tubes of the frame. Using John’s photos, a strong light, and magnifying glass, we were able to see a crack in the starboard tube. A photo with our iPad actually gave the best indication of a crack. A dye penetrant test confirmed the crack. The crack in the port tube wasn’t evident until the powder coat was removed. The attached document has good photos of John’s cracks.
We removed the frame and had it repaired by an experienced A&P (FAA mechanic) using techniques called out in AC 43-13. We reamed out the tubes and machined a tube to be a tight fit similar to Mod 72 for the upper tubes except the insert is the full length of the tube. The insert is welded to the original tube with rosette welds, and the cracks were stop drilled prior to welding. One bolt hole was elongated so we changed it to AN4.
A side note, when we started to remove the LG frame, we found that some of the mounting bolts were no longer tight. When doing your inspection, we suggest you check these nuts and if any are at all loose, inspect very carefully for cracks.
Our mono wheel kit was purchased April 2000, kit A185 and has 975 hours.
Jim & Heather
| | - The Matronics Europa-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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181001a-Photo summary of landing gear frame cracks.pdf |
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ward.t(at)xtra.co.nz
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| Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 12:08 pm Post subject: LG frame cracks |
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Hi Jim,
Thanks for your Landing Gear Information.
I tried to check my LG the other day, after John’s article, the best way one can without removing the engine and firewall. Not really satisfactory. The only way to do a satisfactory check is to remove the engine frame itself, which is a big job. Checked the mounting bolts and all ok.
May well have to be a mandatory airworthiness directive?
It would be interesting to see what the Europa Company say?
Cheers,
Tim
Tim Ward
12 Waiwetu Street,
Fendalton,
Christchurch, 8052
New Zealand
ward.t(at)xtra.co.nz
Mob +64 210640221
| Quote: | On 13/11/2018, at 8:45 AM, h&jeuropa <butcher43(at)att.net> wrote:
We discovered a potential safety issue and wanted to share this so others become aware of the situation and can inspect their aircraft.
We are in the process of our annual condition inspection on our mono wheel. This year is extensive since motor mounts and bungee cord need replaced. After being alerted by John Wigney of possible cracks in the lower tubes of the LG frame, we inspected and discovered our frame is cracked like his. The cracks are very difficult to find as they are somewhat hidden by the firewall and behind the vertical tubes of the frame. Using John’s photos, a strong light, and magnifying glass, we were able to see a crack in the starboard tube. A photo with our iPad actually gave the best indication of a crack. A dye penetrant test confirmed the crack. The crack in the port tube wasn’t evident until the powder coat was removed. The attached document has good photos of John’s cracks.
We removed the frame and had it repaired by an experienced A&P (FAA mechanic) using techniques called out in AC 43-13. We reamed out the tubes and machined a tube to be a tight fit similar to Mod 72 for the upper tubes except the insert is the full length of the tube. The insert is welded to the original tube with rosette welds, and the cracks were stop drilled prior to welding. One bolt hole was elongated so we changed it to AN4.
A side note, when we started to remove the LG frame, we found that some of the mounting bolts were no longer tight. When doing your inspection, we suggest you check these nuts and if any are at all loose, inspect very carefully for cracks.
Our mono wheel kit was purchased April 2000, kit A185 and has 975 hours.
Jim & Heather
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=484894#484894
Attachments:
http://forums.matronics.com//files/181001a_photo_summary_of_landing_gear_frame_cracks_131.pdf
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| | - The Matronics Europa-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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tennant
Joined: 19 Apr 2011
Posts: 121
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| Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2018 4:03 am Post subject: Re: LG frame cracks |
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Hi Jim & Heather,
Good spotting!
This looks like a typical SAE4130 weld heat affected zone crack. We see it in motorsport constructions regularly. It looks like the parts were not suitably tempered after welding. Although prevalent in the US, this grade is nearly never used in European aircraft construction because of this problem.
Luckily I have my ship in the garage at the moment and I will be checking it carefully.
That could have caused an exciting landing!!
Congratulations
Barry
| | - The Matronics Europa-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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_________________
Barry Tennant
D-EHBT
At EDLM - Germany |
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brian.davies44(at)gmail.c
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| Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2018 8:49 am Post subject: LG frame cracks |
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I have communicated with Andy Draper and also Malcolm McBride who looks after continuing airworthiness for the LAA. Both wanted to know what MTOW was being used. It would be helpful if those who have found cracks could pass on this info to me and I will forward it.
Regards
Brian Davies
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h&jeuropa
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 645
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2018 7:11 am Post subject: Re: LG frame cracks |
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Brian,
The intent in posting about our experience was to alert other Europa owners and operators of the potential of cracks in their aircraft LG frame and to suggest they might want to inspect their aircraft.
Discussion of MTOW is not appropriate on this thread because there isn’t enough known yet about possible causes and MTOW may not even be a factor – we don’t want anyone to decide not to inspect based on that, when the problem might be a batch of bad welds, for example.
We have communicated to both Andy Draper (who has not yet acknowledged) and David Stanbridge (who has acknowledged) about our experience and we have offered to supply any other information they desire. If they request MTOW and/or operating experience of our aircraft, we’ll certainly answer their questions.
Jim & Heather
| | - The Matronics Europa-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List |
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Corinthian
Joined: 30 Jan 2018
Posts: 12
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2018 9:59 am Post subject: LG frame cracks |
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Why are you stirring things up with LAA? We have an annual inspection that checks the aircraft and I am happy with that.
Please don’t do anything that you may feel is in my interest without first asking for my opinion and permission.
David Lewendon
Sent from my iPhone
| Quote: | On 15 Nov 2018, at 15:11, h&jeuropa <butcher43(at)att.net> wrote:
Brian,
The intent in posting about our experience was to alert other Europa owners and operators of the potential of cracks in their aircraft LG frame and to suggest they might want to inspect their aircraft.
Discussion of MTOW is not appropriate on this thread because there isn’t enough known yet about possible causes and MTOW may not even be a factor – we don’t want anyone to decide not to inspect based on that, when the problem might be a batch of bad welds, for example.
We have communicated to both Andy Draper (who has not yet acknowledged) and David Stanbridge (who has acknowledged) about our experience and we have offered to supply any other information they desire. If they request MTOW and/or operating experience of our aircraft, we’ll certainly answer their questions.
Jim & Heather
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=485105#485105
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| | - The Matronics Europa-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List |
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graeme bird
Joined: 15 Jul 2010
Posts: 434
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| Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 12:39 am Post subject: Re: LG frame cracks |
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umm, thanks for that, will inspect before next flight. Looks like its visible from careful review lying underneath.
| | - The Matronics Europa-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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_________________
Graeme Bird
kit4 (Wagstaff) TBD
Kit3 G-CLXU (Gregory) mono 914 xs Woodcomp
Kit2 G-PATS - (kesterton) Mono Classic 912 warpdrive
Kit 1 G-UMPY - Mono Classic/XS 912S, Woodcomp G(@)gdbmk.co.uk |
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Richard Lamprey
Joined: 15 Jul 2011
Posts: 95
Location: Kenya
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| Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 3:18 am Post subject: Re: LG frame cracks |
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I am trying to cast my mind back about 22 years, but wasn't this particular area of weakness in the LG identified in the 90s with an early batch of monowheel LG frames?. There was a fix from Europa, requiring TIG welding of steel strengthening straps for this area (it sticks in my mind because I had to scour Nairobi's industrial area for a TIG welder, found finally in small outfit making safari lodge kitchens).
I am not near my Europa now to check against the picture you sent.
Best
Richard
Monowheel 5Y-LRY, Kenya
| | - The Matronics Europa-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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Duncan McFadyean
Joined: 18 Jan 2011
Posts: 220
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| Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 5:14 am Post subject: LG frame cracks |
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The reported cracks aren't located in a part of the load-path affected by the earlier reinforcement.
Duncan McF.
----Original Message----
From: lamprey.richard(at)gmail.com
Date: 16/11/2018 11:18
To: <europa-list(at)matronics.com>
Subj: Re: LG frame cracks
--> Europa-List message posted by: "Richard Lamprey" <lamprey.richard(at)gmail.com>
I am trying to cast my mind back about 22 years, but wasn't this particular area of weakness in the LG identified in the 90s with an early batch of monowheel LG frames?. There was a fix from Europa, requiring TIG welding of steel strengthening straps for this area (it sticks in my mind because I had to scour Nairobi's industrial area for a TIG welder, found finally in small outfit making safari lodge kitchens).
I am not near my Europa now to check against the picture you sent.
Best
Richard
Monowheel 5Y-LRY, Kenya
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.comp; -Matt Dralle, Lsp; - The Europa-List Email Forumsp; - NEW MAp; -Matt Dra===============
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