---------------------------------------------------------- Beech-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 08/13/03: 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 05:38 AM - Re: F-35 accident (BobsV35B@aol.com) 2. 08:25 PM - Re: F-35 accident (Gary Strong) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 05:38:11 AM PST US From: BobsV35B@aol.com Subject: Re: Beech-List: F-35 accident --> Beech-List message posted by: BobsV35B@aol.com In a message dated 8/12/03 11:44:10 PM Central Daylight Time, gstrong@att.net writes: > How does this explanation sound to everyone on the list? Have the later > V35Bs not had problems? Are they that much different in design? Any > more knowledge on the 3 the ABS magazine mentioned? Good Morning Gary, If you spoke to either Dick Pederson or Neil Pobanz, you were discussing this problem with one of the two guys in the world who know the most about this problem. Anything I could add would be strictly my interpretation of what I have learned from them. The 1956 G35 was the last airplane that used the early style construction on the ruddervators. The H35 (1957) has an additional transverse spar. It is likely it also has other internal construction changes about which I know absolutely nothing! I am not aware of any 1957, or later, airplane that has had any tail surface divergence problems. Incidentally, there is some evidence that we should not be calling it a flutter problem. The current buzz word is that we have a problem with control surface divergence. The significance of that change in terminology escapes me, but it must mean something important to the engineers. I don't know if you have flown the early Bonanzas, but if you have, I think you will agree that they are by far, the nicest, most pleasant flying airplanes, of the marque. When the H35 came out, I was extremely disappointed by the airplane. It flew heavily and sluggishly in comparison to the G35 and earlier versions. It wasn't until Beech installed the IO-520 in the S35 that the airplane once again became a sprightly performer. Even though that additional power allowed it to, once again, be a good performing airplane, it was, and is still, a heavier, less responsive airplane than the early versions. I don't know what all they changed on the H35, but I think skin thickness' were increased throughout the airframe. It is a much stiffer and heavier structure. I am not knowledgeable concerning all of the changes, but I doubt very much if your V35B has any SIGNIFICANT structural changes from the H35. I have never heard of any airframe after the H35 encountering any control divergence difficulty. There have been incidences of divergence in airplanes as late as the last of the early style tail structure. Several G35s have encountered it and a couple have resulted in fatalities. There is some evidence that the airplanes were not in a conforming condition, were being flown outside the limits, or both. The jury has not yet spoken. I have a slightly older V35B than do you. Mine is a 1978, D-10173. I am not worried about it at this time, but I do check the bearings in the hinges and control rods carefully. As these airframes age, it is certainly possible that something may surface which is not now contemplated, but I think any problem that does occur will be in an airplane that has had less than sterling maintenance. Happy Skies, Old Bob ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 08:25:04 PM PST US From: "Gary Strong" Subject: RE: Beech-List: F-35 accident --> Beech-List message posted by: "Gary Strong" Bob & Dennis & Group Thanks for all the EXTREMELY helpful information. Bob, you helped me immensely and I used your info to look through my "Those Incomparable Bonanzas" book. Not that I was that concerned (since I had heard from the multiple sources of the 60s and up aircraft having no issues), but it always helps to have someone provide the logic behind the reason for no divergence issues. Dennis, I'll take your advice and look up the website this evening. The Bonanza book mentioned a number of strengthing items done in the 1957 H-model - wings, ruddervator, fuselage, etc. Now that I know what I'm looking for I'll get out my airframe maintenance/drawings book and see if I can spot the changes. If I find out more I'll definitely copy the list. I completely agree on the maintenance. It always baffles me how someone can let something as important to their safety as their aircraft become so neglected. At Oshkosh I looked at about every Bonanza, and while the vast majority were in great shape, some were of a condition that showed severe neglect. One more thing - do either of you (or anyone else) have a 2 1/4 turn and bank indicator OR turn coordinator? Mine came with a 2 1/4" turn and bank indicator that says 1 minute turns. I want to go to a 2 minute turn (old dogs have a hard time learning new tricks, and a 1 minute turn is far too much bank angle!) and wondered how well the units performed. Thanks a million! Gary S.