REFLECTOR: Nose Gear Struts - Safety Issue

[Scott Baker]

Look for Velocity, Inc. to issue a safety warning and recall of nose gear 
struts that have been retro-fitted with the double wall "taco" style gusset. 
This notice is in response to several recent nose gear incidents where the 
nose strut itself has broken below the taco gusset.  The breakages occured 
after hard landings and/or nose wheel shimmey incidents.
The nose gear strut supplied with the kit is heat treated.  This warning 
does not apply to new or unaltered nose gear struts.  It applies ONLY to 
nose gear struts that have had gusset repairs that required welding and 
which have not been normalized and re-heat treated following the repair.
The Velocity factory machine shop has repaired several nose gear struts to 
repair cracked gussets or to install the newer taco gusset.  Welding experts 
advised the company that the small welds done during the repair or 
installation of the taco gussets need not be re-heat treated prior to 
returning the part to service.  We now have cause to believe that 
heat-treatment of repaired struts is needed.  Velocity, Inc. will be 
recalling those gear legs that are affected so that they can be normalized 
and re-heat treated.
Owners of Velocity aircraft who have had gusset repairs done in the field or 
at local shops are urged to have their gear legs heat treated in a similar 
manner.  If there is not a metal heat-treating facility near by you may send 
the leg to Velocity, Inc. - and we will have them treated.
See attached .jpg file showing drawing.
Pls call Brendan or Scott B. at the factory with follow up questions.  The 
factory web site will provide additional details.
Thanks,
Scott B.


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