This is the tail section of a Hanger 9 Sport Cap 232,the tail wheel assembly broke free because all it has to screw into is soft balsa,how can I remedy this?[sm=confused.gif]

I'd say epoxy a lite ply (or other thin hardwood) over that little section. Be sure to cut it to the shape of the section its epoxied to. drill you're holes over the existing ones. Then drip thin to med. ca in the holes to harden the soft balsa and screw it back in place. Had to do this on my UCANDO when iput a modified tailwheel on it and it works fine.

Have to agree with the Ice Man on the lite ply. I fill the holes with tooth picks couple drops of thin ca cut off level and epoxy the thin lite ply over the top of the soft balsa. I then put a few coats of thin ca over the ply to fuel proof it, drill new holes and attach the wheel.

The weak point is where the screws attach, hence they pulled free as balsa is soft. Use lite ply (1/16" or perhaps even 1/8") and then this will give your screws more bite. Just use epoxy, use a very thin coat only.

Agree with the comments already made. I know you have already thought about this, but if not, the next time it's better to do this from the inside before you install the horizontal stab. I always put a thin piece of ply in the tail just for this reason.

Don't forget...just for the heck of it, check the CG again when your finished. Might be glad you did. No surprises that way.

Jim

Yep, light ply. Also epoxy some wood dowels into the old holes. Once done, get you some Dubro threaded inserts (4-40) and you won't have any problems.