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How much water?

vettdvr

vettdvr

Superior Pilot
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
7,646
Location
Slidell La
Ok here it is. Plane is on ramp. 4" of rain blowing in 2 hrs last week happened twice. Today went out to the plane pushed it up on the ramp and some water drained out of what apparently is a drain hole in the fuse bottom on the tail section. Not a corrosion hole but one that looks like a drain hole.

Is this normal? There was a wet spot about 12" across and it made 2 of these after the plane was moved and didn't appear to have any water left.

The plane is treated completely with corrosion X internally and pics internally dont' sbow problems.

Any thoughts?
 
That's pretty normal in my experience. It's also pretty normal to have some of these drain holes plug up (from belly crap, wax, etc.) so it's good practice to crawl around underneath and check them on occasion.

Last year, shortly after a major rain event and when the plane was still stored outside, we deflated the nose strut to install a new O-ring kit. I bet a good 2 gallons of water poured out of the belly area. You sure don't want that hanging around and spending the winter as an unknown, frozen W&B modification.
 
I think I've seen the same hole my plane
Better to let the water out than weigh the plane down
 
There are several drains holes on the belly. Mine does the same thing after a big rain. They do tend to plug up, so they need to be cleaned once in a while. Ive had my rudder fill with water too until i cleaned the drain hole.
 
whew thanks. I was worried it had a problem. Any idea how many holes are on the bottom? I'll check. Leaving on cruise this weekend so won't be able to check until I return.
 
You want to pull up carpets, inspection plates and look inside (hello flashlight!).

Must make sure D.H. on BOTH sides are clear, and check EACH rib section too.

Creeper is must-have.

Check around the lower door frame to baggage compartment has seal, major water entry point (I found out).
 
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you might have 2 or 3 drain holes underneath. They are at the supposed lowest points along the fuselage. As others have said, they need to be cleaned out when you clean the underneath of the plane.
 
A late follow up - we parked our bird in Minnesota a couple years ago while visiting our #1 (of 5) daughter. The airplane got drenched during our stay, and then we flew home IFR, in and out of heavy showers. We had a lot of water draining from the belly drain holes after we landed and put it back in our hangar.

Porco's remark about pulling up the carpet and checking things is worth doing. The next annual after our episode found corrosion under the pilot's foot-area carpeting, from water no doubt seeping in around the windshield. Easily cleaned up, but would have been better to have gotten to it before corrosion got a start.

John
 
Vetdvr,

Looks like you are about to get another big dose of rain with the hurricane coming. Any chance you can find hangar space for a couple of nights? I hate leaving my bird out in the rain when I travel (she sleeps in a hangar when at home).
 
depending on what is "level" for your plane, not all of the water will drain out the holes. It might be necessary for you get out the old drill and 1/8" bit and put in a drain hole or two. Don't know if that is covered in Part 43 of what maintenance you can do, but at least the inside of the plane is dry.:)>)
 
I discovered one in the bottom of my lower rudder cap that had been painted over years before. Was on my creeper and noticed the indentation for the hole.

Would not want water sloshing around back there that aft of CG. Not sure how much it could hold but I don't care to find out either.

drain_pluglocation.jpg
 
The first time I noticed this I asked my A&P. He said that's what the hole is there for. Normal and expected.
 
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