DG-1000 undercarriage collapses and inadvertent extensions ?

Our DG-1000 at Southern Cross Gliding Club (Camden, NSW, Australia)
has experienced multiple occurences of both inadvertent retraction and
extension of the undercarriage. Typically the undercarrriage has
dropped down whilst in flight, in various modes including straight and
level in smooth air.
We have also had a collapse on outlanding in a moderately field, and
very recently the gear collpased seconds after the glider had been
wheeled into the hangar; luckily no-one was injured but the wings hit
adjacent gliders.
The local DG agent has stated that he has not heard of any other
reports of DG-1000 U/C problems; however recently we heard another
Australian DG-1000 at Beverley in W.A. experienced a collapse (and
it's only a few months old).
It appears the overcentre mechanism requires very careful adjustment
to prevent the extension problem, however no apparent cause for the
retraction problem has been found. We have continually cautioned
pilots to make sure the U/C handle is pushed flush with the fuselage
wall after putting the gear down.
We are wondering if any other clubs or owners have experienced this
problem?

Hi all,

This, together with the countless incidents involving DG-300 U/C
collapses isn't it about time the manufacturer got the engineering
design right?

Geoff Vincent

On 15 Apr 2007 00:55:02 -0700, "Bernie"
wrote:

Our DG-1000 at Southern Cross Gliding Club (Camden, NSW, Australia)
has experienced multiple occurences of both inadvertent retraction and
extension of the undercarriage. Typically the undercarrriage has
dropped down whilst in flight, in various modes including straight and
level in smooth air.
We have also had a collapse on outlanding in a moderately field, and
very recently the gear collpased seconds after the glider had been
wheeled into the hangar; luckily no-one was injured but the wings hit
adjacent gliders.
The local DG agent has stated that he has not heard of any other
reports of DG-1000 U/C problems; however recently we heard another
Australian DG-1000 at Beverley in W.A. experienced a collapse (and
it's only a few months old).
It appears the overcentre mechanism requires very careful adjustment
to prevent the extension problem, however no apparent cause for the
retraction problem has been found. We have continually cautioned
pilots to make sure the U/C handle is pushed flush with the fuselage
wall after putting the gear down.
We are wondering if any other clubs or owners have experienced this
problem?

On 15 apr, 12:47, Geoff Vincent wrote:
Hi all,

This, together with the countless incidents involving DG-300 U/C
collapses isn't it about time the manufacturer got the engineering
design right?

Geoff Vincent

On 15 Apr 2007 00:55:02 -0700, "Bernie"
wrote:



Our DG-1000 at Southern Cross Gliding Club (Camden, NSW, Australia)
has experienced multiple occurences of both inadvertent retraction and
extension of the undercarriage. Typically the undercarrriage has
dropped down whilst in flight, in various modes including straight and
level in smooth air.
We have also had a collapse on outlanding in a moderately field, and
very recently the gear collpased seconds after the glider had been
wheeled into the hangar; luckily no-one was injured but the wings hit
adjacent gliders.
The local DG agent has stated that he has not heard of any other
reports of DG-1000 U/C problems; however recently we heard another
Australian DG-1000 at Beverley in W.A. experienced a collapse (and
it's only a few months old).
It appears the overcentre mechanism requires very careful adjustment
to prevent the extension problem, however no apparent cause for the
retraction problem has been found. We have continually cautioned
pilots to make sure the U/C handle is pushed flush with the fuselage
wall after putting the gear down.
We are wondering if any other clubs or owners have experienced this
problem?- Tekst uit oorspronkelijk bericht niet weergeven -

- Tekst uit oorspronkelijk bericht weergeven -

I had a gear collapse on a normal landing with a DG1000T march last
year. In July last year I saw a gear collapse on a normal landing with
a DG1000T in Sweden. So it happens more.

Henk

On 15 apr, 12:47, Geoff Vincent wrote:
Hi all,

This, together with the countless incidents involving DG-300 U/C
collapses isn't it about time the manufacturer got the engineering
design right?

Geoff Vincent

On 15 Apr 2007 00:55:02 -0700, "Bernie"
wrote:



Our DG-1000 at Southern Cross Gliding Club (Camden, NSW, Australia)
has experienced multiple occurences of both inadvertent retraction and
extension of the undercarriage. Typically the undercarrriage has
dropped down whilst in flight, in various modes including straight and
level in smooth air.
We have also had a collapse on outlanding in a moderately field, and
very recently the gear collpased seconds after the glider had been
wheeled into the hangar; luckily no-one was injured but the wings hit
adjacent gliders.
The local DG agent has stated that he has not heard of any other
reports of DG-1000 U/C problems; however recently we heard another
Australian DG-1000 at Beverley in W.A. experienced a collapse (and
it's only a few months old).
It appears the overcentre mechanism requires very careful adjustment
to prevent the extension problem, however no apparent cause for the
retraction problem has been found. We have continually cautioned
pilots to make sure the U/C handle is pushed flush with the fuselage
wall after putting the gear down.
We are wondering if any other clubs or owners have experienced this
problem?- Tekst uit oorspronkelijk bericht niet weergeven -

- Tekst uit oorspronkelijk bericht weergeven -

I had a gear collapse upon landing with a DG1000T March last year and
I witnessed a gear collapse with another DG1000T in Sweden last July.
Both were normal landings on grass and there was no damage to the
airplane.

Henk

"Geoff Vincent" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

This, together with the countless incidents involving DG-300 U/C
collapses isn't it about time the manufacturer got the engineering
design right?

Geoff Vincent

On 15 Apr 2007 00:55:02 -0700, "Bernie"
wrote:

Our DG-1000 at Southern Cross Gliding Club (Camden, NSW, Australia)
has experienced multiple occurences of both inadvertent retraction and
extension of the undercarriage. Typically the undercarrriage has
dropped down whilst in flight, in various modes including straight and
level in smooth air.
We have also had a collapse on outlanding in a moderately field, and
very recently the gear collpased seconds after the glider had been
wheeled into the hangar; luckily no-one was injured but the wings hit
adjacent gliders.
The local DG agent has stated that he has not heard of any other
reports of DG-1000 U/C problems; however recently we heard another
Australian DG-1000 at Beverley in W.A. experienced a collapse (and
it's only a few months old).
It appears the overcentre mechanism requires very careful adjustment
to prevent the extension problem, however no apparent cause for the
retraction problem has been found. We have continually cautioned
pilots to make sure the U/C handle is pushed flush with the fuselage
wall after putting the gear down.
We are wondering if any other clubs or owners have experienced this
problem?


Maybe I am just lucky NOT I have flown DGI more than 25 times and no
problems.

The DG 1000 just has to be locked in position like the DG 303 and any other
aircraft.

Then check it by pulling back hard against it in the locked position.

A smooth landing can also help a tail first drop on gives the U/C a good
thump.

I always make sure that I have three greens on three separate occasions in
the circuit and apply the same physical check to a glider U/C three times in
my circuit.

On Apr 15, 3:47 am, Geoff Vincent
wrote:
Hi all,

This, together with the countless incidents involving DG-300 U/C
collapses isn't it about time the manufacturer got the engineering
design right?

Geoff Vincent

I'm not sure past issues with the 30x and any current issues with the
1000 are directly related, but what amazes me is the large percentage
of DG-30x owners I've spoken with who do not know of the undercarriage
handle TN 359/22. I've even spoken with a DG-303 owner who had a gear
collapse, had the gelcoat repaired and was back flying but was still
not aware of the TN (kind of makes me think he should find another
repair shop as well). The original rubber pressure block and metal
plate with a little metal knub that was supposed to hold the handle
locked was really a pathetic design and likely to come out of
adjustment, the TN adds a coil spring that keeps the handle more
firmly rotated in place. A few hundred dollars well spent. The DG-30x
(and other gliders) also need to have their U/C overcenter locking gas
strut inspected periodically.

Darryl

My club in Denmark (www.bsk-billund.dk) operates DG-1000 serial #7. In the
first couple of years we had several gear collapses, both while landing and
while being towed back to takeoff by a tractor. Clearly, something was
wrong.

We then had the DG sent off to the Danish representative (www.dan-glide.dk),
and some modifications were made. Now it has been working perfetly for a
long time.
You may want to contact Mr. Morten Habekost of Dan-Glide
) I am quite sure that the DG factory was involved in
the solution, and that they are aware of this issue.

Happy Soaring,
Lars Peder

Replace numbers by post1.tele.dk to reply by e-mail




"Bernie" wrote in message
ups.com...
Our DG-1000 at Southern Cross Gliding Club (Camden, NSW, Australia)
has experienced multiple occurences of both inadvertent retraction and
extension of the undercarriage. Typically the undercarrriage has
dropped down whilst in flight, in various modes including straight and
level in smooth air.
We have also had a collapse on outlanding in a moderately field, and
very recently the gear collpased seconds after the glider had been
wheeled into the hangar; luckily no-one was injured but the wings hit
adjacent gliders.
The local DG agent has stated that he has not heard of any other
reports of DG-1000 U/C problems; however recently we heard another
Australian DG-1000 at Beverley in W.A. experienced a collapse (and
it's only a few months old).
It appears the overcentre mechanism requires very careful adjustment
to prevent the extension problem, however no apparent cause for the
retraction problem has been found. We have continually cautioned
pilots to make sure the U/C handle is pushed flush with the fuselage
wall after putting the gear down.
We are wondering if any other clubs or owners have experienced this
problem?

Bernie wrote:
Our DG-1000 at Southern Cross Gliding Club (Camden, NSW, Australia)
has experienced multiple occurences of both inadvertent retraction and
extension of the undercarriage. Typically the undercarrriage has
dropped down whilst in flight, in various modes including straight and
level in smooth air.
...
It appears the overcentre mechanism requires very careful adjustment
to prevent the extension problem, however no apparent cause for the
retraction problem has been found. We have continually cautioned
pilots to make sure the U/C handle is pushed flush with the fuselage
wall after putting the gear down.
We are wondering if any other clubs or owners have experienced this
problem?

There is a mod to increase the overcenter. My DG doesn't have it, mostly
because we haven't had a problem.

I've done 335 takeoffs and landings in my DG1000. On a variety of surfaces,
but mostly on Omarama which has a hard, rough surface. Never had a problem.

I have observed the other pilot failing to lock the gear positively up or
down a number of times though. I always give the gear a personal check after
the front seater has lowered it.

There was the time an airline pilot was adjusting the trim while the
glider was on the grid and pulled the wrong lever. The airline pilot
wasn't damaged. Now I know that you can retract the gear on the ground.

--
Philip Plane _____
|
---------------( )---------------
Glider pilots have no visible means of support

Our club in the UK has two DG1000s with the two wheel
tail dragger configuration. We have had numerous undercarriage
collapses on landing, but as far as I know no unwanted
extentions in flight.

The problem seems to be that a great deal of force
is required to get the gear over-centre and that the
lever in the front cockpit has a very long throw. People
with short arms, or who are not very strong have a
real problem getting the wheel to lock down. I personally
find the U/C reasonably OK to operate from the rear
cockpit, but very difficult from the front. And yes
I have had the U/C retract on landing, which was very
embarassing.

The whole thing seems to be very poor from an ergonomic
point of view.

Derek Copeland



At 20:36 15 April 2007, Philip Plane wrote:
Bernie wrote:
Our DG-1000 at Southern Cross Gliding Club (Camden,
NSW, Australia)
has experienced multiple occurences of both inadvertent
retraction and
extension of the undercarriage. Typically the undercarrriage
has
dropped down whilst in flight, in various modes including
straight and
level in smooth air.
...
It appears the overcentre mechanism requires very
careful adjustment
to prevent the extension problem, however no apparent
cause for the
retraction problem has been found. We have continually
cautioned
pilots to make sure the U/C handle is pushed flush
with the fuselage
wall after putting the gear down.
We are wondering if any other clubs or owners have
experienced this
problem?

There is a mod to increase the overcenter. My DG doesn't
have it, mostly
because we haven't had a problem.

I've done 335 takeoffs and landings in my DG1000. On
a variety of surfaces,
but mostly on Omarama which has a hard, rough surface.
Never had a problem.

I have observed the other pilot failing to lock the
gear positively up or
down a number of times though. I always give the gear
a personal check after
the front seater has lowered it.

There was the time an airline pilot was adjusting the
trim while the
glider was on the grid and pulled the wrong lever.
The airline pilot
wasn't damaged. Now I know that you can retract the
gear on the ground.

--
Philip Plane _____
|
---------------( )---------------
Glider pilots have no visible means of support

Derek Copeland wrote:
Our club in the UK has two DG1000s with the two wheel
tail dragger configuration. We have had numerous undercarriage
collapses on landing, but as far as I know no unwanted
extentions in flight.

Our club has #23 and has put *a lot* of hours and landings on it in the
last few years. No retract problems so far on landing. We have the 3
wheel variety (nose, main, and tail) but I'm not sure if that makes much
difference.

Jeremy