Found a cracked engine mount on a Cessna 172 last Tuesday

I was doing a routine annual inspection on a 1978 172 at KPAO when I noticed a hairline crack along the forward engine mount tube near the number two cylinder. It was barely visible under the paint and grime, maybe 1.5 inches long. I wiped it down with MEK and hit it with a magnifying glass to confirm. Nobody else caught it during the last two annuals. Has anyone else found hidden cracks in tubular mounts that showed up late like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

jackson.sarah1mo ago

Buddy of mine found one on a 152 right before the gear leg fell off during taxi. Not a fun surprise for his Saturday morning.

the_zara1mo ago

Used to think hairline cracks were no big deal. That story definitely changed my mind.