need your experience

[avidflyer]

In the first picture, it looks like there are 2 aluminum tubes attached to the rear spar, maybe about a foot in. I figured they were the rear braces for the butt rib. Would have been nice to see the complete end of the wing to see if there were any pop rivets showing that would have been holding those braces in place on the rib. Fabric does pull pretty hard when shrunk, no doubt about it. JImChuk

[jiott]

Those braces visible in the picture look like the spar cross bracing tubes; they don't support the center of the rib against the pull of the fabric. What Guy is asking is are there additional support tubes not visible in the photo that go to the center of the rib, similar to what is done on the opposite wing tip end. With a fuel tank in the root bay we put small wood blocks from the tank side wall to the rib for support, but with no tank and if no support tubes, that could easily explain the damage that we see.

[Esser]

It is a concern and you could have a whole wing repair on your hand. I would offer him what ever for the plane he is asking minus 4 or 5 thousand if you are willing to repair it

[PapuaPilot]

I agree with Esser, it could be a bigger job then it looks. I would also make sure the spars are perfectly straight and don't have any kinks or bends in them.

[Richard31]

Thanks all for your reply and investigations !!!!!, i am going to see the Minifox (it is the name on the ID card, a kitfox with 10meter wing span to have 15m² surface... in 1996 it was the regulation).

i note to the following:
>check if wing was swung into the overhang on the skylight part of the windscreen?
>wing brace or not during transportation?
> other wings ? (see pictures attached)
>job to do if i bought the plane
>negociate price

i attach other pictures that could help you. Left hand wing, seams to have no trooble, and a picture of internal Right hand wing.

thanks again for your help.

regards,

richard

[avidflyer]

Were you able to see if there was a wrinkle or at least looser fabric just out from the front of the cracked rib? If it did get broke by hitting the skylight, you could maybe just clean the epoxy and paint off the end of the rib where it meets the spar, make a 1/4" plywood doubler for each side of the front 2" or so of the rib, and epoxy and clamp it all back together. Also remove the epoxy off the rear rib/spar junction and reglue it back together. What I described would not be a real hard job. Looks like the braces that are supposed to be in the wing are there. My Kitfox 4 manual shows 2 braces going from the rear spar to the butt rib and one in the front. That is on the drawing where a person doesn't use a wing locker or fuel tank. That pattern was probably the same on a Kitfox 2. My suggestion on the rib repair is worth what you paid for it, and you will have to determine if it makes any sense or is legal in your country. Use at your own risk. :-) JImChuk

[Richard31]

Hi all,

ì could make another visit beginning of the week and i understand what happen thanks to you :
> the wing was swung into the overhang on the skylight part of the windscreen (see photo), we clearly see the looser fabric and the crack rib also on the fuselage side.

thanks again for your contribution.

regards,

richard