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Lancair 320,
Lycoming O-320D1F, Unsafe nose gear down indication, nose gear collapse on
landing on Jan 7, 2006.
I previously posted
the incident, but thought I'd update the list.
Prop has been
rebuilt - hub checked ok, but installed new blades, bearings, and seals. I
basically got a new prop for $3000.
Engine is torn down
and all components NDT'd and found no damage. Corrosion found in hollow
crank. Being fixed now. (AD) About $6500.
I removed all
hydraulic components and had my hydraulic shop at work check out the switches
and actuators. All good except hi pressure switch was switching high
off-scale. Nose gear actuator was allowing fluid past the piston. I
suspect that actuator was responsible for the incident and that the switch was
the root cause of the nose actuator failure.
I decided I'd also
check out the pump. I called Lancair about a new pump and got a quote for
$985. I called Oildyne for an inspect and repair as necessary. The
salesman asked if it was used on an airplane. When I replied that it was,
he said the teardown and inspection would be a minimum of $300. He
explained it was because of the FAA. I replied, "Great! I didn't
think I'd get a certification with the pump, but obviously you guys are now PMA
certified." That caused much hemming and hawing. I then told him
that I didn't mind exorbitant prices if the justification was that they could
get them from rich pilots, but that I didn't appreciate BS. He then
suggested I contact one of their distributors and located one nearby for
me. The gentleman there, nicknamed "Roach", was extremely
helpful. Said I could get a new one for about $300 and that the shop rate
was $70/hr, which would add up pretty fast. Then he said, "Why don't I
sell you a pressure gauge and attachment fittings and tell you how to test
it. It's pretty easy." He went in the back and brought out a similar
pump and proceeded to teach me the ins and outs for about 15 minutes, including
what to expect and what various failures could be indicated. He then
volunteered to determine and supply the correct parts if I found problems.
So for $31, I was on my way, much smarter and very pleased with the
treatment.
The cost of finding
the corrosion is gonna be about $12,000. Would have been cheaper to just
tear down the engine!
Naf
LNC2
N7PN
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