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Old October 19th 13, 06:51 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Ramy
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Posts: 746
Default Check your rudder cables!

We just had another rudder cable failure at the junction with the pedal S tube. Luckily this time it happened in a two seater and resulted in lost of rudder control only for the back seat PIC. Fortunately the front seat passenger was also a licensed pilot and could continue flying the glider, but not before they momentarily considered bailout until they realized the front seat still had full control.
A similar incident in a single seater last year resulted in a bailout. Due to the pedal spring, a cable failure may result in a full opposite rudder and unrecoverable spin/spiral.
It will be a good idea to inspect this area often, and even adjust the rudder pedal back and forth to expose and inspect more cable. At least in some models there should be a plastic sleeve to protect the cable there.

Ramy