On May 22, 10:11*pm, Steve Koerner wrote:
Thanks Mike. *I think the open trailer in the wind theory is very
good. *I know that Andy and I have had to disassemble in the wind many
times and there is a tremendous lever arm working on the hinge plates
in that situation as you point out. *That could be what has fatigued
the bolts in tension as well as caused the slight compression to the
fiberglass and the base of the handles. *In my case the broken bolt
was discovered after a long drive back from Moriarity where my last
disassembly at Moriarity was in pretty strong wind and the trailer
was, in fact, not lined up to the wind as it should have been. *So, it
fits with the patients history.

Steve Koerner (GW)

What's more, the trailer was facing north in a west wind and it was
the left side bolt that popped. That's the side that would have been
under tension. I guess I should read my own Wing Rigger FAQ document
which clearly states that the trailer should be pointed into the
wind. I had asked where to assemble and I put the trailer in the
particular spot that was recommended off the edge of the apron. I
should have moved it when it was disassembly time and the wind was
stronger but I didn't need to bother with the Wing Rigger since my son
was standing by to assist. The wind was not so strong that we
couldn't safely rotate the wing to slide into the trailer -- maybe
around 10 or 12 knots.

I think the bolt had already fatigued and that was its final straw.
The fiberglass compression and handle damage was actually the same on
both sides.

GW