|
|
|
In a message dated 1/8/2006 10:12:21 P.M. Central Standard Time,
naf@britevalley.com writes:
Well, I managed to
lose my email archives, so need to ask for the McMaster-Carr part number
of the nose gear extension gas spring.
Why not Aero-Crafters (Lancair) GM028?
I noticed on my
last flight about 3 weeks ago (lousy weather since), that my alternate
extension was a bit sluggish. Today, it cleared off enough for me to
slip the surly bonds. On landing, the nose gear light failed to come on,
so I used the alternate extension to no avail. No amount of pulling g's,
slowing, porpoising, etc. helped, so I decided to land. I shut the
engine off on short final. Unfortunately, the nose gear collapsed on
landing. The only damage is the prop and the cowling, so I feel pretty
fortunate. I was surprised that the landing itself was almost a
non-event.
Naf,
Although the gas spring assists in locking the over-center link, its'
purpose is to get the gear out in case of a failure in the hydraulic
system. If the hydraulic system and nose gear actuator are working
properly, the gear should have been down and locked even if the gas spring had
no energy. I will be interested to hear what part of the nose gear failed
- Actuator wheel well attachment delaminated? Actuator rod bent? No fluid
and weak spring? Etc. ............
Scott Krueger
AKA Grayhawk
Lancair N92EX IO320 SB 89/96
Aurora, IL
(KARR)
|
|