Just found a frayed upper rear cable on my wing!
Just found a frayed upper rear cable on my wing! When was the last time you had a good look at yours?
This is the cable that attaches the kingpost to the rear of the keel on an Air Creation iXess 15 wing. I was removing thecable to recover some damaged plastic coating last weekend and I noticed some damaged cable on the lower end. Its located at the juncture of the rear of the keel and shares an attachment point with the haul back cables, all of which is partially covered by a leather boot that protects the sail from the cables when the wing is folded up.
Here the arrow shows the location of the damaged portion shown above. It was very difficult to see when assembled. Glad I had a closer look!
Comments
- 1 like
- TrikeBoyWonder@TrikeBoyWonder
LeoTrikeBoyWonder liked this
Glad you found it Ken!
Well done Ken! Do you have any ideas how it became frayed?
- 1 like
- Leo@LeoIezzi
Wile E ScottLeo liked this
Odd place for damage. Weird. Stress/strain related?
Is that cable crimp rusted? I can't tell from the picture. If it is, could water have settled on the lowest part of the Eye. I could see where water may have played a part in the deterioration of the cable.
- 1 like
- Leo@LeoIezzi
Trike OpsLeo liked this
Good catch Ken! What I see on that picture is a deformed thimble and a frayed cable. The thimble is not a perfect teardrop, unless it was made that way, but I highly doubt it since the fray is on the same side. Looks like is was crushed at some point. Did you look at the top of the keel under the sail to make sure there is no damage there or at any other part or area nearby. Glad you found it before the next flight, unless the next flight is with that sweet GT-5 of yours. Fly Safe!
Pedro
I think it must gotten hung up in the haul back lever mechanism at some point. There is some intense leverage going on there on the wing to be sure. I see no other damage to the keel, or haul back cables etc... No idea how many hours have been flown in that condition, but that wing is grounded till a new cable arrives. So currently she is sporting the gt5 again...and I replaced the oil line that was wearing as well. Ready to get back at it!
Too bad I had to leave. Hope to meet you guys again for some flying and can't wait to get some training going this year.