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.
Jumpseat: Damage History, Part 2
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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