Find the discrepancy

[Mark Julicher]

This Citabria flew to my shop. I'm still shaking my head and wondering how the pilot is alive.
Two wing spars were cracked and two others were rotted at the root.

[Peterroy]

Re: Find the discrepancy

Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PA1195]

Re: Find the discrepancy

Can happen...seen it before. Rain gets in around the wing-fuselage fairings and follows the openings in the fuselage down and back along the tubing and wood formers. The end of the spars gets and stays wet I assume from the same source or perhaps around the fuel tank filler as well. The water isn't visible inside the cockpit usually so the owner/op isn't alerted.

Lots of interior paneling, headliners, and floor carpeting to cover it. If the battery's still in the back behind the removable bulkhead then that's an excuse to periodically inspect the wood. Same for the spars when the fairings are removed for an annual.

Edit: The water trail can probably be seen on the stained wooden formers. Follow it to the presumptive source.

Gary

[N96337]

Re: Find the discrepancy

Ya just gotta wonder sometimes....... That's kinda like the "blue tarp cover job" that flew into a friends shop once......

[Mark Bowden]

Re: Find the discrepancy

The plaster sheetrock wall hanger bolts and foaming insulation as adhesive are amazing. Maybe if you are in a "Flight of the Phoenix" situation it's innovation (even if the wood on the fuselage is more shape than loads) but otherwise, just wow.

What is happening with it, scrap, restore?

[astjp2]

Re: Find the discrepancy

I know of worse flying now...

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Find the discrepancy

The plaster sheetrock wall hanger bolts and foaming insulation as adhesive are amazing. Maybe if you are in a "Flight of the Phoenix" situation it's innovation (even if the wood on the fuselage is more shape than loads) but otherwise, just wow.

What is happening with it, scrap, restore?

Ground-up restoration in progress. Probably more than the plane is worth, but the (new) owner wants this plane since he learned to fly in it.

[PA1195]

Re: Find the discrepancy

I had two of them and both eventually developed wood issues. Plus I've seen others with the same. Water, heat, and humidity take their toll on wood.

Maybe there's a better sealant or protectant method for the wood now than spar varnish or whatever they used?

The water might be reduced if the upper cockpit ingress holes are closed better. Flap bell crank is a big one if equipped plus fuel lines and wiring. Skylights can leak. Same for leakage around door and window channels.

Maybe put a seaplane drain grommets in low spots on the belly?

Gary

[astjp2]

Re: Find the discrepancy

epoxy resin is excellent for preserving wood. Tim