In article ,
Doug Vetter wrote:

The IA says the spar cracks are a fairly common issue with 172s. I knew
something like this plagued C150s (there was an AD on it), but regarding
the 172 this was news to me.

The easiest way to turn a 172 around on the ramp is to push down on the
horizontal stab until the nosewheel comes off the ground, then spin it
around wherever you want it.

It sounds like a great plan until your mechanic tells you your horizontal
stab spar has cracks in it.