Thunder City Lightning crash report

[TSR2]

I tend to agree Chris, it doesn't matter how 'complex' or otherwise the machine is, if the processes and procedures aren't followed a piper can do as much damage as a Lightning. Sad though.

[airboatr]

The aircraft you're mentioning was the Chalk's Airways Grumman Goose that suffered and inflight wing failure several years ago. The problem is that Chalk's was operating the planes beyond their stated FAA Wing Spar life limit using sub-standard repairs to try and "extend" the lifetime that were not approved by the FAA, only a local FAA representative who didn't have the required expertise nor authority to approve the repair. There have since been approved repairs developed that will extend the life of the wing spars in a safe matter.

But even with proper repair programs, there's never enough inspectors to go around and make sure they're done right and there's always someone willing to "skate" the repairs, no matter where or who they are and it has nothing to do with cost. It's all about people being lazy.

it wasn't a goose, it was a mallard
the issue wasn't the spar but instead the Z stringer.

the problem was money, Chalk's was broke and looking for yet - another buyer.
.

[Chris Trott]

Joe, sorry, I always get the Goose and Mallard mixed up. Even worse, Chalks also had/has several Albatross.

Also, the Z Stringer was only part of what failed. The Rear Spar Cap was the first point of failure and semi-repair. The later failures of the Z Stringer and lower skin were caused by the ineffective repair and further deterioration of the condition.

[airboatr]

Joe, sorry, I always get the Goose and Mallard mixed up. Even worse, Chalks also had/has several Albatross.

Also, the Z Stringer was only part of what failed. The Rear Spar Cap was the first point of failure and semi-repair. The later failures of the Z Stringer and lower skin were caused by the ineffective repair and further deterioration of the condition.

get back to ya on these.

I'm needed .....

[NigelC]

Upshot is, no matter how much you love something. if you can't support it, let it go.

Cue a few stories,,,,,,

[Nigel H-J]

Upshot is, no matter how much you love something. if you can't support it, let it go.

Does that include the wife??

Nigel.

[NigelC]

It could... ....

[airboatr]

Joe, sorry, I always get the Goose and Mallard mixed up. Even worse, Chalks also had/has several Albatross.

Oh yes Chris, I can certainly understand how you'd confuse the three... they all have that "boat'ish" look to them.
Throw the Duck in and I'm completely at a loss figuring out which is which.



... and it was the z stringer. And I guess partly the spar, and the sheetmetal, and the rivets, and sealant goop and duct tape and what ever else they used to keep the wing looking like and acting like a wing.
Let's just say it was the wing, cuz'n that's what fell off the bird.
call it a draw.

btw
You know I've made mention before, of that little airport in Lantana. You'd be surprised who drops in, who has dropped in.

I was privy to a conversation regarding Chalk's and this incident. A very blunt conversation to say the lest.
But hey, whats to tell. Do you seriously think us talking about it here is going to stop these things from happening. I mean as far as conversation goes .... good great fine. But that's alll it is really.

You gotta know, they can write books that'll stack from here to the moon and it'll still happen.
It comes down to what's in a mans heart. will he fight his own tried flesh or the guy over him
that temps him to "call it good" for the sake of time, material , or whatever. which all equate to money.


.....I could tell you a story about what goes on in the electrical industry. And what was told to me by one of the leading instructors of the NEC when were we discussing some malfeasance going on. From his home phone to mine. ( Not that I'm connected with him in anyway, just that one time)

but you need all the beauty sleep you can get. ... sweetpea.


Joe

[airboatr]

will he fight his own tried flesh or the guy over him
that temps him to "call it good" for the sake of time, material , or whatever. which all equate to money.


Joe

I should mention the corporate heads and bean counters too. And whether they can settle for a caddy or a Benz
two yatchs or one. You know...

[thomasburnside]

I know there not aloud to fly lightnings over here but Id just like to add my opinion. Its very sad that the pilot died in the crash but 747s have crashed before but you dont see them being grounded. I think the Thunder City Lightnings have proved that one of these aircraft can be flown in civil hands.