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Re: Cracked frames? Never heard of it...

Posted by bdk on Tue Dec 18, 2001 02:02:03 PM

In reply top Cracked frames ? posted by Mick on Tue Dec 18, 2001 04:37:46 AM

: There was an article in WW a few years back about how a he
: ll of a lot of T6's have cracked frames, the welds that is
: .
:
: How can one tell if one is buying a "cracker" or a "cracke
: r"

I've never heard this before. I guess that with a trainer anything is possible, but if this was more than just an isolated event or two, I am sure there would be an Airworthiness Directive in the US. The FAA does in fact bother with these old planes, they just issued an AD note for B-17 wing spar cracking... Far fewer of these are flying than T-6's!

There is an AD note on T-6 horizontal stabilizer attach fittings (from the 1950's I think), and intergranular corrosion on the wing to center section attach angles is common, but I have never heard of frame cracking. I would think that a conditional inspection looking for wrinkled and obviously damaged or corroded parts would be sufficient. Also watch out for civilian repairs exhibiting poor workmanship.

Brandon

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