Rudder Blowing off

[baylor703]

I have an issue where my rudder will totally blow off with the 47, usually when approaching 400mph. Altitude doesn't seem to matter, I've been at sea level with an IAS of about 400 coming out of a dive, hear a loud noise, and boom the rudder is gone. Could this be caused by high speeds and having too much trim? I'm not sure what else could be causing it.

[grafspee]

What about Cowl flaps ? make sure that they are closed at speeds above 225mph

[baylor703]

I'll try closing them entirely. I normally fly with the cowls just barely cracked and assumed they were so close to a closed state that it wouldn't make a difference. I'll leave this up for anyone in the future and report back on the results.

[grafspee]

5 hours ago, baylor703 said:

I'll try closing them entirely. I normally fly with the cowls just barely cracked and assumed they were so close to a closed state that it wouldn't make a difference. I'll leave this up for anyone in the future and report back on the results.

P-47 manuals say it clear cowl flaps closed entirely at speeds above 225mph you hit 400mph with them partially open.

[baylor703]

Yeah that was the issue. I knew they were supposed to be closed above 225ias, but thought cracking an inch or so wouldn't make a difference. Apparently it does. Thanks. 

[peachmonkey]

this is actually quite exciting to read. The FM and its ability to influence the rear control surfaces at 400mph due to the turbulence introduced at the other end of the airframe. Dang.