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Old 09-06-2002 | 02:02 PM
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Tom Antlfinger's Avatar
Tom Antlfinger
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From: Fond du Lac, WI
Default HS delamination

Scott is right on. At first, when the delams first appeared, I didn't believe it, but then my first HS started to delam along the back side of the strut opening. This is very serious, since once this lets loose, only a 6 inch or so piece of plywood, running fore-aft holds the lower skin on near the midline of the fuselage. This is very short, up near the gear well, providing no support for the aft end of the lower skin. Out laterally, the glue line does run to the aft of the fuse, but if the front and midline separates, then the lateral aspect will never hold. If there are any glue voids or bad bonds to improperly prepared glass, this will sardine can like in the photo.

Since it has happened so infrequently, I think when it has happened, it was due to an unrecognized glue flaw in this area, but Scott's point about heavy landings is well taken, and I believe that is what lead to my initial separation. Fortunately I caught mine.

This bond must be checked very carefully, and I would now recommend putting another piece of quarter square plywood along the edge of the aft side of the strut opening, running in a transverse direction between the gear mount and the former with the oblong holes. This will prevent the front-edge of the delam from starting to peel back.

This is hard to explain and difficult to photograph, but I will try to post a photo if it can be done.

Gear doors would help, but I see gear doors on the photo, so they are not the answer. Eventually, all gear doors open and let the air hit that leading edge of the aft strut opening.

Tom