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Jumpseat: Damage History, Part 2

The gear well and engine repaired and fuel tanks refurbished, this Piper Arrow II has returned to the skies. Les Abend
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author's purchase of a Piper Arrow II quickly became a "horror story" due to a critical, improperly repaired gear-well that threatened landing gear collapse, requiring a salvaged wing replacement.
  • During subsequent aircraft painting, unexpected and costly maintenance issues arose, including problematic fuel tank refurbishment and a series of engine oil leaks.
  • The recurring problems culminated in the discovery of two cracks in the engine case, one from a prior repair, necessitating another significant and unforeseen expense for the aircraft's repair.
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For those who didn’t have the opportunity to read the April Jumpseat column, or for those who don’t recall, I conveyed a tale of woe regarding my airplane-buying experience. It had turned into a horror story. The 1972 Piper Arrow II I had purchased became a small nightmare when it was discovered by my observant mechanic friend that a prior repair to the gear-well area of the right wing was coming apart.

Les Abend

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.

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