Uuuuuuuhhhhhh...that's definitely one for Van's to answer. If you do ask them please let us know the response.Anybody know how I could fix this or is it a problem?
Why are there so many sanding scratches and other marks on the part? Did they grind/file/sand on it too?
Could the bolt hole not be enlarged to include the smaller pilot hole and use a larger bolt?
It wouldn't be easy to but would be easier than replacing the rear spar carrythrough.
Glenn Wilkinson
Save the effort - no way can you weld this and retain enough strength to be safe. Not a chance.
Dave
Save the effort - no way can you weld this and retain enough strength to be safe. Not a chance.
Dave
Just to let you know this flew for 1300 hrs like this.
Just to let you know this flew for 1300 hrs like this.
...Second, ask Van's if you can have someone weld the hole close and then re-drill it.
Boy, if there's one topic where the opinions of VAF are really worth what you pay for it, this is it.
I couldn't agree more.......
When contemplating a repair plan on an important structural member, it is usually valuable to have some understanding of the load path.
It would probably surprise most builders to know that the highest load on the rear spar joint is a tension load resulting from the wing trying to sweep fwd.
This occurs at high G, high alpha (critical angle of attack)
It is what is evaluated when testing in condition "D" for compliance with FAR 23.
It is also why vertical edge distance on this part is so important.
In the photo posted by the OP it looks like the edge distance on the clevis portion of the joint (on the fuselage) may not meet minimum edge distance (based on the paint/primer line visible). The extra hole in the rear spar, though not compromising edge distance, would be an undesirable stress riser, and is reducing the baring area for the bolt in the vertical direction ( the next highest load path).
Is this something that can be checked without removing the wing? Is there visibility into the location?
Or is disconnecting the wings the only way to check, the integrity of the spar attach points?
Thanks!
So, judging from that shadow, he might be faced with changing out the rear wing spar and the fuselage pass through......
I talked to the guys at Van's today and they said definately replace it. The comment went something like this, "When we saw your picture it was kind of like having a black cat cross your path.". They also added that it won't be big deal to replace. In the grand schemes of things really is a day's work and a few dollars worth risking your life?
On another note. I have only been a member of the Van's community for two weeks and I can't believe the support I have received from the community and the company. It is great to know that the company monitors sites like this and when they see something wrong they reach out to you and give you advice. I have been involved with other kit companies and the advice you get from them falls along the lines of, "It's your plane and I can not advise you on that." When I posted my first post I got a response from someone saying welcome to the good ship Van's it should he should also include community in the post!