From: alecbrian2@aol.com
Message-ID: <126.a279149.2975a2cd@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 10:20:45 EST
Subject: 4P Nose Wheel and Window issues.
To: Lancair.list@olsusa.com
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Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com

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Good Day to all Lancair owners, builders and any other parties interested in 
Lacair's superb products.

My name is Alec King. Sterling Ainsworth and I are building a Lancair 4P 
turbine in Montrose, Colorado.

A short time ago I was working on fitting the lower nose cowling when the 
nose gear collapsed knocking me to the floor and trapping my hand. Without 
going into detail, I literally came within an inch of amputating my left 
hand.

This is all water under the bridge and hindsight is 20/20. Precautions have 
been taken to ensure the nose wheel will never collapse again during 
construction - but I am not so sure that it will not occur again during the 
operational mode.

I have always thought that the nose wheel was a weak point in an otherwise 
superbly designed air craft, but not being an engineer, was loath to mention 
this.

It seems to me that the vertical strut should be angled forward at least 5 
degrees more. If this were the case, the entire weight of the engine and 
airframe forward of the main wheels would have to be overcome in order for 
the nose wheel to retract when the aircraft is on the ground.

This appears to be a relatively simple fix. One solution could be to extend 
the locking arm an inch or less.

I have heard that other owners have had unintentional nose wheel retractions 
in the past causing considerable damage and expense.

I would be extremely interested in hearing about any of these occurrences and 
would welcome any constructive thoughts on how to improve the nose wheel 
design.

Another concern I have is window failure when flying pressurized at altitude.

Again I understand there have been failures in the past and would like to 
know when, how many and which window failed. In other words any and all 
details available.

This letter is offered with the sole intent of improving safety for all.
I would really appreciate any input from anyone that has any information or 
thoughts on these subjects. 

Alec.
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