phoenix tail boom/tail wheel problems

[Gfeldman]

I recently sold my Carat and have a deposit with Jim Lee a Phoenix. One of the interested buyers for my Carat told me that recently (in 2014) the Phoenix production line was shut down for a number of months to modify the tail wheel/boom because there had been a problem on a few Phoenix's tail boom cracking during severe turbulence. This might have been due to pilot error- not reducing airspeed in turbulence but I think, if true, the owners of this plane ought to be informed about this.

Once again I just want to learn the facts and would appreciate any help in getting more information about this.

George Feldman

After I posted this I received an email from Jim Lee. He explained that the damage that occured to this particular Phoenix was due to a flight into severe turbulence as well as torsional forces exerted on the tail fork during a crosswind landing. He documented an entire flight above Vne by downloading data from the on board Dynon. He also observed deformation of the tail wheel fork due to torsional forces exerted during a crosswind landing. To condense a long story, there is evidence of pilot error and not of any structural defect in the Phoenix itself.

I have confidence in Jim and am maintaining my own deposit in the Phoenix.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Gfeldman
to include facts learned after intial posting

[algee1_73@yahoo.com]

I'm the owner of #24, which had the recent tail damage. I'd like to explain what the experience was, but don't want to do it on this forum. If you're interested, could you please send me your e-mail address?

My contact is algee_73@yahoo.com

This is not as clear cut an event as may have been presented.

Regards,

Alan Gurevich

Seattle