Pacer or PA-22/20 down near KSET, STL MO area

[Jim Hann]

Does anybody recognize this bird, can't make out the registration.

Jim

http://www.kmov.com/story/29108156/plane-goes-down-near-airport-in-st-charles-county

[pa20]

With the rear baggage door, and the squared off back windows, I think it is a -22/20.

[Jim Hann]

Update, its from up in Central IL, N118U, a 56 with the owner is listed as GARRELTS WELDON EARL.

[Brian]

Good to hear there were no injuries. Looking at the video, seems like larger tires and no wheel fairings, might have prevented damage to the aircraft as well. What is the experience of the group with landing on plowed ground ? I have always heard plowed ground, being soft, is more often than not going to result in damage and possibly a nose over. How large a tire would be required to have made this landing without damage ? I know there are a ton of variables but for the sake of discussion, lets assume semi dry dirt, a 22/20 about 200 under gross, and a more or less level plowed field like in these photos. Would 8.50's be enough ?

[tloes]

seems like larger tires and no wheel fairings, might have prevented damage to the aircraft

Is it really possible to know that from the picture? It doesn't look like it flipped on its nose but rather collapsed its gear. I wonder if it was stalled 4-5 ft in the air and plopped.

Supposedly (comment from back country pilot forum) Piper had a video of a Tri-Pacer taking off "across the furrows" on a plowed field. I haven't seen that video but I'd like to find it (if it really exists).

Todd

[Brian]

Looks like just a right main gear failure, which then bent the struts. That's why I believe larger tires could have resulted in no damage.

[mmoyle]

Personally I feel all Pacer/Tripacer should have the gear beefed up. Most of the load at the bungees is through a one inch wide... .100" to .125" metal strap bent at a right angle and welded in...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[PACERGUY]

Great job of flying it to the crash site and walking away!!!!!! Ya a little scratch here and there few new parts and some buffing compound and good as new. That prop looked pretty worn so needed a new one anyway and always feel safer behind a new rebuild motor. Only down side is wrong time of year. do this in the late fall and you have winter for rebuild. If I landed only on tar or proper grass strips I would most likely have what he has on the pacer. Big wheels are a big safety factor on and soft or rough stuff as is reinforced gear. The tire in the picture is a 26 inch goodyear on tundra, had to keep moving or you sink in.
DENNY

[57pacerBW]

What the best way to beef up the 22/20 gear

[smcnutt]

Could be as simple as Univair SB LPC-1 where they add a little gusset to the legs. No idea if that applies to this aircraft or if so, if it was updated.
http://www.shortwingpipers.org/forum/showthread.php?4400-Univair-Service-Bulletin-LPC-1-(1995)

[stevesaircraft(Bri)]

What the best way to beef up the 22/20 gear

Univair gear beef up via 337 field approval...

Overall view of modified gear leg.... fuel step on front tube... cross brace from streamline tube to rear tube... gussets welded at the axle..
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/q85/s720x720/10176059_10151960173300216_5152826234185659823_n.j pg?oh=620a364c7f48ba61b6e6f3bf0397084e&oe=55CD7E9F

Axle gusset..
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/1002675_10151960168915216_1544433078592907154_n.jp g?oh=ecc31d2c99530097fd64a54585cba42f&oe=5603D99C

Cross brace..
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/1621940_10151960169770216_5264324640301575753_n.jp g?oh=9d9b7c9d8bb8b9ec13b31b02a26cfd44&oe=55FC788E

Both gear modified...
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/q81/s720x720/1623345_10151961730085216_6228958342443674285_n.jp g?oh=ff26808e9e4de7641584c584da47fcbc&oe=55C4BBC9

I did these via a follow on approval based of a previously approved 337 from Eddie Trimmer..

Brian.

[mmoyle]

Eddie tried to talk me into the beef up modification. I figured...it's lasted 50+ years why do it. 40 something hours later my right gear leg broke at the bungee mount, and front gear mount. Old cracks and piss poor welding repairs to the gear in 1960.
Mark


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Steve Pierce]

I would leave a small opening in the gussels at the intersection of the tubes to allow water, dirt and sand to escape. Saw one in Alaska a few years ago full of stuff that looked like rust waiting to happen.

[57pacerBW]

Thank brain that help alot. Marc

[stevesaircraft(Bri)]

I would leave a small opening in the gussels at the intersection of the tubes to allow water, dirt and sand to escape. Saw one in Alaska a few years ago full of stuff that looked like rust waiting to happen.

When I covered the gear I sealed the opening up with fabric so that dirt can't get in there to begin with..

Brian


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Steve Pierce]

Ah, was thinking uncovered gear. That one in AK was scary.