Wing Leading Edge Crack
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- blsewardjr
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Wing Leading Edge Crack
I'm in the process of my first annual of my new-to-me 2003 DA40. During our work today (I'm doing an owner-assist annual), we discovered a six inch or so crack on the leading edge out near the lights. I can't recall seeing this before. I've reviewed the forum for posts on cracks, but didn't see any that matched this location. I'd appreciate any advice you might have. Thanks. Bernie
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
2003 DA40 N377DS
KCHO Charlottesville, VA
2003 DA40 N377DS
KCHO Charlottesville, VA
- Steve
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack
I'm certainly not a composites expert, but the location of the crack appears to be along the joint where the top and bottom skins of the wing join. I would recommend taking some more photos and send them to the technical experts at DAI. They will tell you what kind of repair needs to be done.
I did have (and still have) a crack in the left fuselage wing skirt back where it is a single layer over the flap. The folks at Diamond determined that it was cosmetic only, and did not require repair. Good luck,
Steve
I did have (and still have) a crack in the left fuselage wing skirt back where it is a single layer over the flap. The folks at Diamond determined that it was cosmetic only, and did not require repair. Good luck,
Steve
- Sandy
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack
Bernie,
There is an EXCELLENT composite shop (and FAA Repair Station) at Cartersville, GA (KVPC) named RZM Aviation. Give them a call (678-480-9946).
Sandy
There is an EXCELLENT composite shop (and FAA Repair Station) at Cartersville, GA (KVPC) named RZM Aviation. Give them a call (678-480-9946).
Sandy
- Rich
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack
I had a bird strike many years ago and, though more pronounced, this is basically what it looked like and it was about halfway out the left wing.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
- sralsten
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack
I have developed a similar hairline crack in the same location on the opposite wing. 2008 DA40.
- Derek
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack
I have a similar crack on both wings. I was told by a composite shop familiar with Diamonds that it is cosmetic, not structural, and to just watch that it doesn't get bigger. It is a weak point where fairing compound is used to cover the join between top and bottom wing skins.
It is good to repair but doesn't have to be repaired.
It is good to repair but doesn't have to be repaired.
- ihfanjv
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack
I don't know if we are going to be seeing a lot of 40+ year old composite aircraft, as we do with Cessnas, Pipers, etc.
Composite does not age well in the elements.
Composite does not age well in the elements.
- Colin
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack
What is your source for this? Examples?Composite does not age well in the elements.
And do you mean even when protected by paint, as with on the Diamond planes?
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
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http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
- Steve
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack
Isn't the Boeing 787 mostly composite? Those airplanes are out in the elements a lot more than mine...ihfanjv wrote:I don't know if we are going to be seeing a lot of 40+ year old composite aircraft, as we do with Cessnas, Pipers, etc.
Composite does not age well in the elements.
Steve