The New Guy returns with bad news.

[Helicopter D]

The local airport in Corning,AR. where I spend my winters doing annuals and just hanging out was completely destroyed by a tornado this past weekend. There were 11 aircraft that sustained substantial damage but luckily no personal injury or damaged homes, and somehow our shop cat was ok. Also there was a Taylorcraft BC12-D that was blown out and appears to be unrepairable, this aircraft belongs to a good friend, was being restored and about 90% complete. On a lighter note a very generous local farmer and pilot has agreed to loan us his hangar to work from until we can get a new one built. Here is to a speedy recovery!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: The New Guy returns with bad news.

I'm often accused of being a ridiculous optimist about damaged planes, but that fuselage is FAR from unrepairable. My 45 looked like total junk by comparison. Looks like the fuselage took a hit from on top and some tubes are bent (if there are no kinks they can be straightened, if kinked, they can be replaced or repaired). The fin and rudder are damaged, but there are spares available if they can't be straightened. I have piles of sheet metal doors but that one looks like it can be repaired. If the prop was off when it happened an external inspection should be all the engine needs. I have LOTS of ribs if needed (hope the root ribs are good, they seem to be the tough ones to find) and plenty of compression tubes. There are spar templates available and I am pretty sure the windshield is toast (there is a brand new post war windshield on eBay right now for $100!) and of course you will want to do a full recover so you can really look everything over. She looks like she was a beautiful bird. Don't give up on her! You guys will be amazed at how fast the second rebuild will go. You know what you are doing this time!
Hank

Plus now would be the time to add the little things you missed last time like a skylight and the higher GW mods to the spars (I wouldn't increase the GW, just put the mods in and keep her LSA legal). Stay positive! There are a lot of folks here to help get her back in the air quickly as soon as the crying is over.

[N96337]

Re: The New Guy returns with bad news.

I'm with you Hank...that's a world away from "unrepairable"!! I always say, can you FIND a serial number or a data plate???? Then it's repairable!!
John

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: The New Guy returns with bad news.

You can even replace the data plate if it is mangled! This plane isn't close to that bad! It is in the "repair" category, not the re-manufacture some of us are doing. Post more pictures of details of the damage. We have the parts and in the group and the cost is a lot more reasonable for Tribe members.
Hank

[Ray]

Re: The New Guy returns with bad news.

I've seen worse come back from the grave. That plane will fly again with a little effort and love.

[crispy critter]

Re: The New Guy returns with bad news.

Anything is repairable with enough work, before and after......

[dejh22]

Re: The New Guy returns with bad news.

I've seen worse come back from the grave. That plane will fly again with a little effort and love.

Here is a Champ my dad "repaired" in the early 70's. He loved restoring airplanes!

[barnstmr]

Re: The New Guy returns with bad news.

Kevin and Dale...
Thanks for the reminders and encouragement that these airplanes can be straightened when bent. I was thinking.... with enough money, anything can be repaired... but you're right... it also takes work and fortitude.