Scott 3200 cracked fork

[8455]

As the title alludes, I discovered that the fork on my Scott 3200 is cracked. Glad I found it now, rather than during landing!

This started as a spring change, after reading the tech info and comparing pics/specs I realized my plane was equipped with incorrect tailwheel steering springs. Univair has the right kit for $64. After removing old springs/chains, I tried moving the tailwheel side to side and discovered that it felt "gritty" .

Ok, guess we'll clean that up too! During cleanup process I discovered the crack across the inside face of the fork. I don't think I would have noticed this crack in this location while preflighting the aircraft.

Is this something that could be welded? Would it be setting me up for a later failure?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[8342]

I would not recommend having it welded.
Very questionable about how long it would last.

I would look for a good used one first.
Several sources:
Preferred Air Parts
Texas Air Salvage
Wentworth
Ebay Motors and others.

You will need the part number for do a good search.

It looks like Univair has new ones for $340.

Rick

[6643]

Good catch! I expect a good welder could repair it, but I doubt you'd ever get it approved. Repairs to landing gear structures are major repairs and require approved data...

[8455]

Thanks for your input. I hadn't thought of the legal aspect side of things, though I suspect the IA who works with me and is stopping in later today to reassemble it would have pointed out that small issue!

After thinking about it overnight, I will be buying a new fork. There appear to be some other worn parts too. Looking at the cost of the fork plus the rebuild kit from Alaskan Bushwheels starts to make cost of a complete new assembly look like a good move. I'll talk to my IA today.

[6643]

Actually, I went back and checked Appendix A and you could make the argument that it is not a major repair. Also, if you can find data in AC43-13 covering the repair, that constitutes approved data.

That said, approval not withstanding, I would not be uncomfortable making a weld repair. A good welder could repair it so you'd hardly be able to tell.

On the other hand, if there're more issues then replacing parts might make more sense.

[8482]

As the title alludes, I discovered that the fork on my Scott 3200 is cracked. Glad I found it now, rather than during landing!

This started as a spring change, after reading the tech info and comparing pics/specs I realized my plane was equipped with incorrect tailwheel steering springs. Univair has the right kit for $64. After removing old springs/chains, I tried moving the tailwheel side to side and discovered that it felt "gritty" .

Ok, guess we'll clean that up too! During cleanup process I discovered the crack across the inside face of the fork. I don't think I would have noticed this crack in this location while preflighting the aircraft.

Is this something that could be welded? Would it be setting me up for a later failure?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

I would get a new one for $340

https://www.airframesalaska.com/ABI-322 ... -3224k.htm

[8455]

My IA came by and checked out the pieces. We realized that several other parts were worn. After pricing things out, I decided to go with a complete replacement assembly. The #3224A tailwheel includes their heavy duty steering arm. Should be here next Tuesday.

We inspected the tailwheel spring and found it had issues as well. The main spring was a double bend (incorrect for my 1946 model year) and the bend closest to tailwheel was flattened out. Luckily for me, Univair is not far from my work, so I was able to pick up a set of the correct springs this morning.

All of this is why my wife tends to roll her eyes when I tell her a project should only cost "x" amount and take "x" time!

[6643]

All of this is why my wife tends to roll her eyes when I tell her a project should only cost "x" amount and take "x" time!

It's 4x...

[8482]

All of this is why my wife tends to roll her eyes when I tell her a project should only cost "x" amount and take "x" time!

It's 4x...

I had my Scott rebuilt a few years ago with the hardware kit from Alaska Bushwheel along with a new tire and tube. Also new chains and springs from Spruce I believe.

If I remember correctly, parts were around $350 and labor was about $300. If my wife only knew....

[8455]

Aviation goodness delivered today! I hope to have the entire "little wheel end" reassembled by this weekend.
I like the beefier steering arm on this!

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