dega500

While practicing my crosswind landings Saturday, I ran my LT-40 off the side of the runway. Our runway has a slight shoulder and the plane would not easily return to the runway. I was hesitant to run the throttle up enough to jump it since the plane was pointed at the pits and I didn’t want to take a chance of it getting away so I waited till all was clear, walked out to the plane and gave it a push on the vertical stabilizer. Well, when I did I heard a slight pop[X(]. Upon further investigation it appears that the stab joint has popped loose on one side only from the leading edge back about 4 inches. I thing I can get some thin CA up under the joint and maybe some medium. Or, should I remove it completely and re-glue the joint?

Thanks

Mike

bearmech

My Feedback: (1)

It would be better if you can remove it and re-glue the whole thing. That way you know you have a good glue joint all the way through.

Kaos Rulz

Mike,

This is a herd one to be definitive on without seeing the damage, however, I would try the thin CA first, so long as you can get a tight joint with the stab to fuse. If this is not possible, or the thin CA does not work, then "no harm-no foul". Remove the stab and re-glue the whole assembly with epoxy.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

I would just get some Medium CA under it, but then, add some tri-stock to both sides. The LT-40 is notorious for this flaw.

dega500

Thanks everyone. I actually cut out and shaped the tri-stock to put around the vertical stab when I built it but decided not to use it on the advice of my instructor. I have many many flights on this plane without incident. Just wasn't thinking when I grabbed the stab and pushed.

tinman

My Feedback: (13)

that is a weak point on the kadet...i pinned mine (when i had one) with 3 wooden dowels which make it much stronger.