ORIGINAL: David Gladwin
The two stab. halves separated in flight and the model crashed, obviously out of control, quite near me.
There was found to be NO load bearing spar in the tailplane. My view is that EVERY Lightning should be inspected before further flight. This is not a minor QC problem it is a very serious ommision and it IS my business because it hit the ground too close to me, and others, for comfort.
Very interesting reading, David. I'm glad you and the people standing close to you was not hurt!
I received my Lightning last week and have not started the assembly yet.
I just inspected my stab closely and it seems pretty stiff. I rested the center section on my chest and pull the tips back with my hands.
You are right about the spar being balsa. Just tested it with a needle and it went through easily.
I'll address this issue with my rep. who's flying two of them himself.
I guess I'll laminate the balsa spar with some ply and glue a carbon fiber rod inside the LE in the center section for peace of mind.
Thanks for the heads up, David!!