Page:CAB Accident Report, Mooney M-18 Crash on 7 September 1959.pdf/7

- 2 - Part with defective welds are to be replaced or repaired. A joint may be rewelded providing the old weld is removed and the surfaces thoroughly cleaned.

(8)Remove upper tail truss attach fittings from aft fuselage bulkhead and inspect as described in item (2). Inspect bulkhead front and back for cracks in area of these fittings. Inspect glue joints between bulkhead and aft fuselage skin and longerons for deterioration or separation. Repair in accordance with Mooney M-18 Service Letter No. 17. Examine trim linkage attached to lower part of aft bulkhead for worn bolts. Replace bolts as necessary.

(9)Reassemble and install empennage making sure all bolts are tight Block airplane solidly at tail skin and inspect for empennage play as follows:

(i) Stabilizer - Move up and down at one tip and measure at opposite tip. Total allowable play ½ inch up and down.

(ii) Stabilizer - Move fore and aft at one tip and measure at opposite tip. Total allowable play ¾ inch fore and aft.

(iii) Fin - Move fore and aft at top leading edge and measure at bottom of rudder trailing edge. Total allowable play ½ inch up and down.

(b)Aft Fuselage

(1)Inspect wood around forward fuselage tubular structure attach fittings for deterioration. Clean all drain holes. Inspect all glue for deterioration. See that drain holes are located as specified in Mooney M-18 Service Letter 16.

(c)Wing

(1)Remove seat, auxiliary fuel tank and belly access panel.

Inspect ribs, skin and both spars at lower center section and around fuselage fittings for wood and glue joint deterioration.

(2)Inspect all wood and glue joints in wheel weld area for deterioration. Inspect both spars for cracks in area of the gea attachments.

(3)Inspect interior of wing in areas having access openings.

(4)Remove aileron and inspect hinges and control horn in accordance with part (a), item (7).

(5)Remove wing fabric locally in area of aileron hinges and at inboard corner of aileron cutout and check condition of wood and glue joints. If evidence of deterioration is found remove fabric further as necessary for