this site is worth a look for PIK 20 owners Ian M http://www.appledor.net/tsillas/soaring/index.html
PIK-20 Rudder Bracket Cracks After 15 yr. of removing the rudder and inspecting the lower rudder bracket / hinge, of my PIK-20 D, per the AD # 84-15-07 and never finding any reason to believe the bracket would ever crack. (Note: 6 different AP/AI have also looked for cracks). This time we spotted the smallest indication that a crack might be starting or maybe it's just a mark at the edge. Not believing but not wanting to take any chances, removal and inspection was the only option. Removal and replacement is not simple, working the nuts through a small hole is difficult. Inspection showed that this was not the start of a crack but a large 1.25-inch long crack. Without magnification there were 2 such cracks and with a 20-power scope a 3rd 1-inch crack was visible. (Note: 4 cracks and the rudder would fall off) >From the looks of the cracks this did not happen from the last inspection until now, but has existed for years and the orientation of the cracks may make detection in the aircraft impossible. I highly recommend all PIK-20 owners remove the bracket at the earliest opportunity and be prepared do the repair listed in the factory service bulletin M20-26. Dale Hacker PIK-20 D 1750 hrS/N 20602 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.0/927 - Release Date: 7/30/2007 5:02 PM
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