Clamshell Door Cracks
 

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to share with all of you some photo's of cracks that I have found in the rear clamshell doors after removing paint from the parts. Importantly have any of you come across this before, if not then I hope this note prompts you to carry out an inspection.

As we continue to fully strip and rebuild the 337G I know there will be a few more suprises that have to be rectified, as anticipated with a project such as this. Before I go chasing some clamshell doors from suppliers, if you have some after a gear door mod and no longer have a need for them let me know.

Regards
David

Contact email
david.sargeant@effem.com

PS: I hope the photo's attach OK

Door Repairs
 

David:

I don't think cracks in these areas are uncommon. When I bought my plane in 1996, there were repairs (welds) in the same areas your photos show. Fortunately, no cracks since then. I am careful to only open the doors at speeds lower than the 160mph allowed, typically at 120mph. I don't know if this has an affect, but like I say, no crack in 15 years.

:) Hi Mark

Thanks for your response, good information to know. I will ask locally about welding and discuss it further with my LAME working on the aircraft.

Regards
David

Both my gear doors had cracks near the rear attach brackett at the last annual.
The old ones were easily removed and new ones put in and all is well again.

I agree with Mark. Cannot say for sure if it makes any difference but it sure can't hurt. I am a big fan of not putting those big doors in the wind at anything over 120 mph indicated. I have the same mentality with flap extensions. Thanks for photos.

Ed

I'll throw in my two cents worth of agreement on delaying gear exension until a lower airspeed. When I was a fleet manager at an airline, we reduced gear extension speed on my airplanes from the certificated 250 to 215 knots as SOP. Some minor cracking that had been appearing on the older aircraft ceased.

If you've ever watched the 337 gear cycle on jacks, it looks like it can catch a lot of wind. I shoot for intial flaps no faster 120 (if I've planned right) and gear at around 100.

Joe (Ahab)