Wing Leading Edge Crack

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blsewardjr
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Wing Leading Edge Crack

Post by blsewardjr »

I'm in the process of my first annual of my new-to-me 2003 DA40. During our work today (I'm doing an owner-assist annual), we discovered a six inch or so crack on the leading edge out near the lights. I can't recall seeing this before. I've reviewed the forum for posts on cracks, but didn't see any that matched this location. I'd appreciate any advice you might have. Thanks. Bernie
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Steve
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack

Post by Steve »

I'm certainly not a composites expert, but the location of the crack appears to be along the joint where the top and bottom skins of the wing join. I would recommend taking some more photos and send them to the technical experts at DAI. They will tell you what kind of repair needs to be done.

I did have (and still have) a crack in the left fuselage wing skirt back where it is a single layer over the flap. The folks at Diamond determined that it was cosmetic only, and did not require repair. Good luck,

Steve
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Sandy
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack

Post by Sandy »

Bernie,

There is an EXCELLENT composite shop (and FAA Repair Station) at Cartersville, GA (KVPC) named RZM Aviation. Give them a call (678-480-9946).

Sandy
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Rich
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack

Post by Rich »

I had a bird strike many years ago and, though more pronounced, this is basically what it looked like and it was about halfway out the left wing.
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sralsten
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack

Post by sralsten »

I have developed a similar hairline crack in the same location on the opposite wing. 2008 DA40.
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack

Post by Derek »

I have a similar crack on both wings. I was told by a composite shop familiar with Diamonds that it is cosmetic, not structural, and to just watch that it doesn't get bigger. It is a weak point where fairing compound is used to cover the join between top and bottom wing skins.

It is good to repair but doesn't have to be repaired.
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack

Post by ihfanjv »

I don't know if we are going to be seeing a lot of 40+ year old composite aircraft, as we do with Cessnas, Pipers, etc.

Composite does not age well in the elements.
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Colin
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack

Post by Colin »

Composite does not age well in the elements.
What is your source for this? Examples?

And do you mean even when protected by paint, as with on the Diamond planes?
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Steve
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack

Post by Steve »

ihfanjv wrote:I don't know if we are going to be seeing a lot of 40+ year old composite aircraft, as we do with Cessnas, Pipers, etc.

Composite does not age well in the elements.
Isn't the Boeing 787 mostly composite? Those airplanes are out in the elements a lot more than mine...

Steve
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Re: Wing Leading Edge Crack

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