Eagle-Mike
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- Joined
- Oct 4, 2010
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For most of you, who are experienced homebuilders it is probably not very new, but just to share my experience.<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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My Eagle (bought it last autumn) is equipped with a Haigh locking tail wheel, which is a very sturdy construction. But the tube of the tail wheel assembly which fits over the spring rod is only held by a small #3 bolt. During roll out, when unlocking the tail wheel I noticed a yaw left tendency even at very low speeds and this tendency became worse during the last weeks. A closer look to the assembly showed that it was a little tilted to the left side, it could be turned a few degrees by hand and the tail wheel already showed asymmetrical wear. Because there was an accident with a microlight due to a broken bolt on the main gear at our airfield a few days before and having the damage of dcrowe1 ASII in mind, I decided to remove the bolt and found it to be considerably damaged.
The shear zone was developed very clearly. The bolt may have lasted another 100 landings or only one more. I replaced it quickly and put the bolt on the annual inspection checklist.
Mike
Sorry picture upload failed, will try again later
fficeffice" />My Eagle (bought it last autumn) is equipped with a Haigh locking tail wheel, which is a very sturdy construction. But the tube of the tail wheel assembly which fits over the spring rod is only held by a small #3 bolt. During roll out, when unlocking the tail wheel I noticed a yaw left tendency even at very low speeds and this tendency became worse during the last weeks. A closer look to the assembly showed that it was a little tilted to the left side, it could be turned a few degrees by hand and the tail wheel already showed asymmetrical wear. Because there was an accident with a microlight due to a broken bolt on the main gear at our airfield a few days before and having the damage of dcrowe1 ASII in mind, I decided to remove the bolt and found it to be considerably damaged.
The shear zone was developed very clearly. The bolt may have lasted another 100 landings or only one more. I replaced it quickly and put the bolt on the annual inspection checklist.
Mike
Sorry picture upload failed, will try again later
