URGENT!!!! URGENT!!!!

[Ranger]

This broken bolt with lock nut still attached was picked up on the runway at Morningstar this morning. It looks like an AN 5/16 (8mm). If you've been on the runway within the last week or two please go over your plane carefully. The break looks like a stress break so it must go somewhere important.

[Gadget]

The part was picked up at the line-up point for 20. Probably broke off on pull away for take-off.

[John Boucher]

Well spotted Ranger... the chaps must just do diligent pre-flights and how many of us forget to do post-flight checks as well!

[Morph]

Looking at this pic and remembering my Bushbaby's engine installation, I used those locknuts on my exhaust. Check your exhaust manifolds.

[Ranger]

Well spotted Ranger

Actually all credit must go to Gadget. He sometimes does look around when flying instead of having his nose glued to the instrument panel.

[vliegvark]

thanks guys there was a noise in my head and it went away know I know were the nut went , checked all the other nut they were all loose

[skidmark]

Must check the Challenger I was flying there last week Saturday late afternoon......then the nose wheel broke!!!!!

[skidmark]

Been through my plane... YOU HAVE made me so f..king paranoid! I cannot find anything broken on my Challie. My knee's and clothes are dirty from rolling around searching for "THAT" missing bolt!

[3wheels]

Rather safe than sorry !!

I must admit, it made me get on my hands and knees and look around too.

[Boet]

Check the wheelrims on all the BB`s with hydraulic brake systems. As a rule of thumb I NEVER use that type of locknut. When you turn it out, it REMOVES the thread and you have to replace both the nut and the bolt.

[Byron]

It could be the bolt that secures the fibreglass battery box to the pylon on an Aquilla. It seems to sheer in a similar fashion after many rough landings.

[skidmark]

So who's was it? Got to watch the next few take off's and landings carefully

[skidmark]

Think I can put everybodies nerves to rest. Gehardt Burger who flies the blue Ela gyro sheered the bolts off the prop.Started his gyro up and noticed a vibration to discover that his prop was held on by 3 bolts! The broken bit you found on the runway appears to match what you found. You can chat with him and compare. Very scarey! He was also advised to torque the bolts to a very high setting that does not make sence for an 8.8 bolt (24nm). Should be 18 to 20nm. Dux sorted it out this morning.

[John Boucher]

18-20 nm also sounds rather high?

14nm on Warp

9-12nm on Wood props....

Correct me if I'm wrong!

[skidmark]

We suggested 16nm. But he was told 24 by the agent. They were tightened at 30nm! Bit scarey when his agent tells him otherewise?