lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> Brent Regan's remark about epoxy/flox plugging a vent reminded me of incident with a IV in Spain. The pilot was making a low pass as a demonstration and ran out of fuel. In avoiding some spectators, he stalled and crashed. He survived, but lost an eye. He also admitted that it was a fuel management problem. None the less, during the investigation of the accident a wing was sawed in two. It was found that the slosh door was held permanently open by adhesive drippings from the wing closing. I saw the wing and can verify the finding. I do not know who built the plane, only that it was N registered. Yesterday's post from Dave Riggs indicates that the slosh door can also be permanently shut for the same reason. It seems there is a problem, and I believe it can be traced back to the idea of having moving parts which are not accessable/inspectable. As a believer in Murphy's law, I find the idea frightening. I once had a Mooney 20E which had innumerable inspection panels on the bottom side of the wing. When starting on my wings, I asked Steve Lorentzen about inspections panels, and was told that none were foreseen. However, he did recommend putting in an inspection panel if I was using the flush fuel drains since they could get clogged with debris. I did, and am now thankful for the advice since the panel for the fuel drain also allows me in inspect/replace the slosh doors and additionally makes reinstalling the extended fuel probe a no brainer. I am certain that my slosh doors work. If you can't see them, you don't know. Incidentally, the slosh door on the IV is not well engineered, but that is another matter. In view of the above, I intend to make sure that all moving parts and/or bolts are accessible. John Herminghaus IV-P I-VVVV >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>