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M4 flap bellcrank catching aileron cable

Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 4:59 pm
by Mauleprofrin
Doing annual on M4.

I haven’t noticed anything while flying but when I was actuating flaps and inspecting the operation of all cables I noticed the the bolt which attaches the flap rod to the bellcrank catches on the upper aileron cable.

Has anyone experienced this? Could this be a byproduct of worn bushings/hardware?

Thanks
-MB

Re: M4 flap bellcrank catching aileron cable

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2023 10:21 am
by Kirk
We see a lot of older Maules with incorrect components or incorrectly installed components or systems. I suppose it’s a combination of mechanics unfamiliar with the type, several unique to Maule configurations and sometimes just shoddy maintenance.

Could you post a pic of the area in question? That might prompt someone with more M4 knowledge to chime in. I have an M5 but it is out of state for a while. Couldn’t compare even if it was the same.

Control cable routing, pulley integrity and cable tensions all come to mind.

Could it be as simple as the bolt being installed facing the wrong direction?

Kirk