TimRVator(at)comcast.net Guest
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Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 6:31 am Post subject: RV-7 loss -> tail inspections -> spar cracks and loose jam n |
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A thread at VAF discusses the results of empenage inspections after the
recent loss of an RV-7.
(http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=104551) A
couple of spar cracks were found, as were several instances of loose jam
nuts on rudder/elevator rod end bearings.
Those rod end bearings form the hinge pivot for our elevators and
rudders. My understanding: If the jam nut is tight, the spar is held
in compression between the rod end bearing's plate nut and jam nut. If
the jam nut comes loose, the loads from the rod end bearing transfer to
the rudder/elevator spar only through the rivets holding the platenuts
to the spar. Not so good.
Prompted by this thread, I inspected my RV-10 tail structure. No spar
cracks found. But I found that the top rudder rod end bearing jam nut
(page 11-7, similar to plans page 11-2) was loose. The torque seal on
this nut was (obviously) broken.
Tim
-- Tim Lewis -- HEF (Manassas, VA)
RV-6A N47TD -- 1104 hrs - sold
RV-10 N31TD -- 400 hrs
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