D'oh! - need a new wingtip for a C172
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
D'oh! - need a new wingtip for a C172
This morning, in my keeness to get flying I managed to prang the wingtip of my 172. I'd like to blame the bowser that was sticking out further than expected, or the other 172 that was thrown in rather than parked but frankly, I was rushing and the net result is a left wing tip with a nasty 2'' hole.
Does anyone know if its possible to mend this? I understand its some kind of acrylic material - are there many shops that can patch this, particularly in the South West? Alternatively, are there spares shops that can supply without having to get a brand new one.
The part in the question is the left wing tip of a C172M.
Any advice gratefully received.
-bcfc
Does anyone know if its possible to mend this? I understand its some kind of acrylic material - are there many shops that can patch this, particularly in the South West? Alternatively, are there spares shops that can supply without having to get a brand new one.
The part in the question is the left wing tip of a C172M.
Any advice gratefully received.
-bcfc
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Down at the sharp pointy end, where all the weather is made.
Age: 74
Posts: 1,684
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
If you've gashed a hole in a wingtip I'd have someone have a very close look at the rest of the wing, especially the main spar. Any bash like that can have repercussions further into the structure. Most likely in this case there's nothing happened, but better to have a look just in case...
Cheers,
The OddOne
Cheers,
The OddOne
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I second the above post. Unless you hit the tip one heck of a crack, the spar is probably fine; but it certainly would be prudent to check.
If it makes you feel any better: I banged the wingtip of a C-152 back about five years ago, when I was trying to squeeze between a parked aircraft and the railing of a nearby observation deck.
Fortunately, the only damage was cosmetic. Like you, I was in a hurry to go flying, and didn't want to inconvenience anyone by requiring that the other airplane be moved. Oh well, these things happen (but hopefully never again to you, or me). Keep your chin up!
I don't know how expensive a new wingtip would be, but as far as a quick fix goes, you might try checking a recent issue of Saiplane & Gliding for adverts by people skilled in composite repairs.
If it makes you feel any better: I banged the wingtip of a C-152 back about five years ago, when I was trying to squeeze between a parked aircraft and the railing of a nearby observation deck.
Fortunately, the only damage was cosmetic. Like you, I was in a hurry to go flying, and didn't want to inconvenience anyone by requiring that the other airplane be moved. Oh well, these things happen (but hopefully never again to you, or me). Keep your chin up!I don't know how expensive a new wingtip would be, but as far as a quick fix goes, you might try checking a recent issue of Saiplane & Gliding for adverts by people skilled in composite repairs.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: EGNH
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Most can be repaired, they are non structural and an aerodynamic profile can be restored with commercially available products. Repaired plenty and never had a problem, if you want some more info send me a pm with your email and I'll be in touch.
This is not just AS I See It, but others too
This is not just AS I See It, but others too
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Near LHR
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm an engine airframe licensed engineer, working on big ones and little ones. I'm type rated on Cessna singles.
The wing tip can be repaired very simply with fibreglass and filler. Most maintenance organisations can do this. What would concern me more, though, as has been posted above, is secondary damage.
A piper warrior was FLOWN to a maintenance organisation after just such an incident, and was written off. The wing root had been so badly distorted due to the apparently innocuous impact that the aircraft was beyond economical repair. Looking at the aircraft superficially, it looked perfectly fine.
I don't know how hard you hit the bowser, obviously, but for your own sake have your maintenance organisation check the wing root mountings, particularly the eccentrics, and the strut mountings for any sign of movement or distress. Checking the incidence would be a good call too, as that is a moveable feast and adjustable on high wing Cessnas. The impact could be enough to displace it.
Hope it turns out OK.
The wing tip can be repaired very simply with fibreglass and filler. Most maintenance organisations can do this. What would concern me more, though, as has been posted above, is secondary damage.
A piper warrior was FLOWN to a maintenance organisation after just such an incident, and was written off. The wing root had been so badly distorted due to the apparently innocuous impact that the aircraft was beyond economical repair. Looking at the aircraft superficially, it looked perfectly fine.
I don't know how hard you hit the bowser, obviously, but for your own sake have your maintenance organisation check the wing root mountings, particularly the eccentrics, and the strut mountings for any sign of movement or distress. Checking the incidence would be a good call too, as that is a moveable feast and adjustable on high wing Cessnas. The impact could be enough to displace it.
Hope it turns out OK.
