Aft Wing Spar Skin Deformed
I have a 1981 PA32R-301T SP (4,200 TT). During the first annual inspection since purchased, it was discovered that the right bottom wing spar skin at the bolt cluster was deformed (see pictures). The cracks previously had been stopped drilled. The wings and fuselage, from all the inspection accesses, seems to be free of corrosion or damage. There are no other signs of damage on the entire aircraft. I would appreciate input from anyone who has knowledge of this condition. Thanks Nick
Comments
Stand by while I send this to our A&P, Erich Rempert.
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
This is the response from our A&P, Erich.
Nick,
That's not too sweet.
There isn't an easy or inexpensive way to fix that, as the damage is in the spar carry through area of the fuselage.
I'd recommend contacting Piper with photos, having a repair engineered, and then carried out; which I'm going to guess will not be cheap. Figure around $2,000 for engineering, and $6-8,000 for the repair (as a guess).
I would also limit further flying to what is necessary to get it to a good repair facility, and I wouldn't put my family in it, or sign off an inspection with it like that. But I would sign off a ferry permit-
I'm sure there's no record of this "repair" on paper right?
And before the "Pre-buy guys" start saying I told you so, I'll say this is not really something that would be scrutinized unless the buyer requested it, BUT at every annual those bolts should get looked at... So I'd be looking at the last IA for an explanation.
Just the view from my hangar~
~Erich Rempert, A&P Consultant
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
OK, Nick. Let us know how it turns out. Good luck!
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
These are excellent pics, thanks for posting. Has Piper returned your communique yet? If yes, what did they say?
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
Ok, I reread your original posting at the top of this thread and you didn't mention what your A&P/IA recommended. So what is he recommending?
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
Ok, were it me, I would be contacting the IA that approved it. I think he could be held accountable in a civil action and while I would take no pleasure in having to pursue that, maybe they will do the work free since they didn't catch it. Also, who did the pre-purchase inspection? They make have some accountability, too. Think through this carefully, if you can't arrive at a gentlemen's agreement with that IA or prepurchase IA, maybe an attorney's letter might help.
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
Ok Nick,
It sounds like you have a plan. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. good luck and let us know how it turns out.
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
Whew, that's gotta be a really big relief.
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot