260 for sale with history of control surface damage

[Todd Janovsky]

Hello all!

I'm a new member here and looking seriously at a 260 for sale that has a history(mid 1980's) of aileron, flap, and elevator trim tab damage. Is this common with the Comanche? As long as it's repaired correctly do I need to be concerned? Here are the specifics from the original logbook entry:

1. Right aileron bent and damaged - skin replaced
2. Left flap cracked on lower surface - skin replaced
3. Both left and right elevator trim tabs bent and cracked - repaired

In addition, there is an accompanying entry that it was, "found out of rigg far beyond specifications" and that aircraft need to be jacked, leveled, and completely rigged.

Thoughts? Thanks for the info!

T.J.

[LeWayne Garrison]

It would be nice to know what caused the damage. Was belly skin replaced? If so was probably gear up or gear collapse on landing. Otherwise most likely cause might be severe hangar rash.

The damage history itself wouldn't keep me away from the airplane. Look for quality workmanship. Even though you cant examine the interior of the surfaces to check for hidden damage, if the workmanship and logbooks indicate a decent mechanic did the repair, then probably the interior is ok too. Specifically look for a proper logbook entry and riveting done correctly. Tap and push on the skin to determine that proper gauge metal was used. (Should be same as undamaged areas). Try to determine that the surfaces were balanced.

As far as rigging goes, this is fairly common. One (minor?) issue is if the original repair was done and the airplane not rigged properly after the repair. If so I would have some doubts as to quality of repair.

Try to get someone familiar with Comanches to look it over if possible. Also fly the plane with someone used to Comanches to see if it flies in rig.

Remember that if the airplane has flown quite a few hours since the mid 80's, then obviously nothing severely dangerous was present.

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

If the damaged skin was replaced, then there is no longer a history is there? The damaged part was replaced with new, so the only "history" is the fact that someone recorded that the damage was removed! Every airplane has been repaired at some point, even most new aircraft are not perfect and required some rework before completion. If this kind of repair history concerns you, don't ever buy a ticket on an airline!

-Zach