Help !!! problem

[Yellow Duck]

I think I may have a problem with my BC-12D.

On checking inside the wing, I removed an inspection plate (I purchased it right out of Annual) the two near the lift struts wing end, and the tube that goes from spar to spar is loose (not attached) on the front spar. This is the right wing. The one on the left wing is attached and very solid. While the one on the right wing is just hanging in there, loose.

I know this is not correct and I and I am certain the previous owner has been flying it this way. Don't know how long this has been going on.

How difficult is this to correct?

Lee
Yellow Duck

[crispy critter]

Loose Compression Strut

Yellow Duck,
Is it the compression strut(the tube that bolts to the spars with 2 bolts at each end)?If so,which one is it,is it the one that goes between the spar(strut)fittings or is it one of the other ones?If you can tell me which one it is I'll take some pictures of mine tomorrow and sned them to you so you will know how it fits back into place.My wings have just been completly rebuilt and the leading edge skins are still off so I can take some very detailed pictures for you and give you a detailed description of how it goes back together but I need to know exactly which one it is.

[Yellow Duck]

Kivin

It is the tube that goes between the two spars where the Lift struts attach to the top of the wing. ( the right wing).

I would certainly appreciate several pictures of that one and the ones on eaither side if possible. Wonder how much fabric I will need to remove.

It is making me sick thinking about messing my nice paint job and getting in there, but it must be done. I have an A & P that is suppose to meet with me Saturday, but I must fly it over to him, about 15 miles. It hasn't come apart yet. Don't know how long it has been that way, guess it'll make one more flight. But if I could see several pictures I may be able to tell how critical it is.

Thanks
Lee in Louisiana
The Yellow Duck

[lktiller]

If the compression tube is not attached then the STRUT BRACKETS may not be either!!!!!!!!
PLEASE CHECK BEFORE FLYING !!!

[crispy critter]

Spar fittings&compression strut attach

Yellow Duck,
I couldn't get to my right wing without some help so I took these of the left wing in the same location.Everything will be the same only in reverse.
This oicture is of the front of the front mainspar looking up from the bottom.

[crispy critter]

This one is of the back of the front main spar looking up from the bottom.

[crispy critter]

Here is a shot I took of an old right wing that I have .It took me an hour of moving stuff just to get to it.
This is also the back of the rear main spar looking up from the bottom(this is from a right wing).

[crispy critter]

This also is from the old right wing(notice the leading edge is still on).I'm looking up from the bottom between the leading egde and the front of the front main spar.

[Yellow Duck]

Thanks Kevin

Think I have found the problem. It is the second to last picture. The one with the tube and the threaded rod going from front to rear lift strut attachment. Looks like it has been this way for at leasr six or seven years. The nut on the rear was not tight against the strut fitting and the threads back of the nut was yellow the same color as the wing. So I am assuming it never was tighten all the way, causing the tube to be loose. I tried tightening, but it only went a little. Either the nut or the threaded rod is stripped. Tomorrow or Sat, I will see what I can do short of cutting my fabric. Think I can do something. Will see.

Thanks a bunch for the pictures. They really helped. I appreciate it.

How far are you fro Ft. Knox?

Also don't forget we are having a Gumbo Fly-In here on Sat. Apr the 3rd. Not that long a flight. You'll come, you here!

Again thanks

[Robert Lees]

Lee, does the RED arrow below point to where you mean?
Rob

[Yellow Duck]

Help !!

Yep, that is it exactly. I think I have either a strpped not or rod. What is your take
Lee

[crispy critter]

Your welcome Yeller Duck.I have seen more than one of those tubes loose in more than one t-craft.That tube is mostly there to help keep the struts from pulling the strut fittings in toward each other and twisting the spars.Be careful when trying to tighen that rod through the middle of it because it is very easy to twist and break it.

Lee,how do you do that little arrow thingy?That's neat,I'm just now starting to figure out how to send,copy,and email pictures.I'm heading over to the gallery to post a few more of Crispy Critter.I have a few of the fuslage and a couple of the wings.

[Yellow Duck]

Kevin

I am like you, I play around with this thing (computer) and every now and then stumble on something, and then can't remember how I did it. But Robert Lee in England did the arrow. We need to ask him.

Can I assume if I can't get that rod as snugg as the other side, it is okay to fly. I figured that was the reason for it. I was able to tighten some, but it is still a little loose. Not that bad tho.

Hell they painted the thing about 7-8 years ago, and the threads back of the nut about 1/4 to 5/16 was yellow same color as the wing, so I figure it has been that way since then.

I will however finish cutting out the rest of the inspection holes. There were only two cut out on each wing. So no one has been able to get in ther and check everything since recovering. That was done about 1988. I guess it is past time. Wonder why no one has ever done that?

Thanks Kevin, appreciate the help. Will keep you posted.

Lee in Louisiana

[crispy critter]

Lee,
I think that would be a question for Forrest or one of the more qualified guys to answer.I think it would be ok as long as it does it's job but it is something you would want to keep an eye on.

Where did you say that fly-in is going to be?What all are you guys going to have there?

[Yellow Duck]

Kevin - Gumbo Fly In

It is at my home. I have 1700 ft grass strip with 300 ft over run on south end and trees at each end. Not bad tho.

We will have Chicken abd Sausage Gumbe, music , and Airplanes and Motorcycles and maybe a couple hot rods. Should be a good time.

The Lat/Lon is:

N 030 01 389
W 091 58 759

Love to see you and any other tribe members over.

Lee in Louisiana