lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Following my crash on the first flight I have removed the prop, engine and mount. This has allowed me to examine carefully the nose gear tunnel hydraulic cylinder attach point. During my nose gear failure the hydraulic ram itself was bent to an angle of about 65 degrees, so this gives some idea of the forces at work on the attach point. The examination of the attach point indicates no cracking or damage whatsoever - there are not even any cracks in the nose gear tunnel paint. These findings point to two factors (IMHO): 1 When extreme shock or loads are applied upwards on the nose gear hydraulic attach point it is extremely strong. 2 It this attach point cracks it must be as a result of downward loads on the attach point incurred when the gear is retracted and the cylinder continues to pull AFTER the gear is fully up. This results in the attach point pulling away from the tunnel and cracking. I hope this is helpful to those 320/360 builders who are having problems in this area; look at your hydraulic cylinder up-stop and check that the cylinder is not pulling after the gear has retracted. My machine seems to be totally undamaged from the firewall aft: I shall replace the engine mount and cowlings with the new long ones and put a new oleo leg on it. Our Air Accident Investigation Branch (equivalent of the NTSB) want to see the inside of the nose gear leg when it is stripped down. I will keep you all posted on the results. Happy flying for those of you lucky enough to have had more success than me! Michael Fopp LML homepage: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html