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I usually lower the flaps when parking on the ramp, so they don't slam around if there is wind. Recently after returning to the plane, I decided to show someone how easy it is to fold the wings, forgetting to retract the flaps first...

As I pulled the left wing out, the flap retracted with a clunk. I wasn't sure if I damaged something, but I powered up the plane and retracted the flaps before folding the right wing.

Sure enough, after putting the wings back and extending the flaps, only the right flap extended. I now had a split flap configuration! The left flap could be pushed down but made some binding noises. It didn't retract unless pushed.

So I took the access panel off under the wing, and to my surprise the bracket had separated from the wing spar! It seems it is bonded with some glue, and the service center says they have done this repair before...

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Thanks for the info Marcus. Hopefully an easy repair.

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Yikes! So glad it is repairable!

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Folding the wings and reinserting maybe was the straw that broke the camels back. My bet is that bracket was already broken most of the way and finally let go during that reinsertion. The flap belcrank bracket has separated on a number of planes due to slamming down because of tail winds. We wrote a Notice to taxi with the flaps down if tail wind is strong enough to push the flaps down and slam them back up. Also to put the flaps down when parked in windy conditions to avoid the same situation. It is repairable but the placement of that bracket is important. We tested the crap out of that bracket and could only the determine that slamming loads would break it free. Statically it’s more than adequate to carry flap loads. All the failures of that bracket were associate with winds and slamming flaps.

https://www.iconaircraft.com/wp-cont...9/N-042619.pdf

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Bret - that is great to know. I wasn't previously religious about lowering the flaps when parked on the ramp, so I know they have been slammed around.

Any idea if the plane is controllable in a split flap configuration?

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Yes it is maybe not through the entire envelope never tested that far as its an unusual failure mode and doubt it’s spin resistant also never tested that config. It will get your attention real quick. The fix it just to put the flaps up or flaps down to even it out (depending on which way they are stuck) and RTB