Spar Crack!

[TimHicks]

Check out the pictures attached.
The reinforcing plate on one side of the main spar at the lift strut attach fitting has a crack running the length of it.
The crack doesn't seem to be in the spar itself.
Is it possible to replace just the reinforcing plate? Need a whole new spar?
Any other repair?

[Ray36048]

Re: Spar Crack!

This looks very much like what I saw in our club Citabria a few years ago. That "crack" is a joint on the plywood exterior lamination. Our mechanic looked very carefully at it. We then cleaned the area and gave everything a good coat of epoxy varnish. Extra coats in this area. The main concern was to prevent mositure from getting into the plywood.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Spar Crack!

I think Ray got it right. Plywood is made up of thin sheets of wood butted up against each other with alternating grain direction on each layer. That looks exactly like a joint between two pieces of wood in the outside layer. If the line is down tight to the layer below on each side, there should be no loss of strength (load does NOT pass through the laminate across the grain in a layer).
Hank

[Dano"T"]

Re: Spar Crack!

That's not a spar crack....you guys are right about the plywood.

[TimHicks]

Re: Spar Crack!

Wow. That's great news. Thanks for the feedback.
To respond to Hank, there is no delamination of the plywood.