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1. 04:10 AM - Fuselage Composite Failure/Plane Total Loss (Rwmurrayhm@aol.com)
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| Subject: | Fuselage Composite Failure/Plane Total Loss |
An Allegro 2007 was recently declared a total loss because of fuselage
composite deformation and de-lamination. A crease or ripple began developing
just in front of the pilot side door and ultimately traveled under the
fuselage and up towards the passenger side door. Composite experts determined
that the structural integrity of the fuselage was compromised. A small leak
in the fuel tank had allowed fuel (MoGas) to seep into the underlying
composite and soften it. The crease seems to follow the front of the fuel tank
as it is glassed into the fuselage.
Fantasy Air's subcontractor for the fuselage (Composit Airplanes of the
Czech Republic) said in an e-mail:
"It was produced over 200 fuselages and this is third (3.) case.
It was always caused with bad landings. The laminate fuel tank is produced
separated in special mold and is glued in fuselage after complete treatment
against effect of fuel. But it is strength component of whole fuselage.
Tank tightness is very responsibly tested - 3 days pressure. The whole
fuselage is epoxy with glass reinforcements and sandwich material is HEREX. The
fuel tank is the same just special chemicals resistant epoxy is used and
sandwich material is SORICK.
In accordance with photo sent I think that the fuselage is greatly damaged
and from our point of view is
unrepairable."
I believe the fuel tank leak developed from a flat tire experienced
upon landing. At the time there was no visible damage from the event. The
tire was changed and the aircraft flew another 20 hours. Fuel never visibly
leaked out or even stained the gel coat. Nor was there ever any discernible
loss of fuel. It may have only taken a quart or two of fuel sitting in the
composite for months to soften it. The flat tire was in May 2010; the
damage became evident between November 2010 and January 2011. The aircraft
was normally hangared with half a tank or more of fuel on board.
Richard Murray
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