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Date: Sun, 20 Dec 1998 23:29:35 -0600
From: Snowbird <snbird@ibm.net>
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Subject: Re: no preflight
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Justin Maas wrote:

> As I pulled the dipstick out, the rod part fell right down the oil 
> intake hole.
> My instructor showed up moments later and told me that, if we flew, 
> the rod could have easily flown down the crankshaft and have caused a > fatal accident.

Justin, good for you for preflighting and for checking the oil after
someone else "just added".

But frankly, I don't see how the dipstick could possibly get at the
crankshaft.  My ability to describe engine anatomy is a little 
primitive, but if you were flying your standard continental or
lycoming the oil pan is *down there* and the crankshaft runs *behind
here*, and *down there* is lower than *behind here*.  That dipstick
would have to turn into a snake and slither to get anywhere near
the crankshaft far's I can see; it oughtta drop into the oil pan
and sit there.

Not that I wouldn't want it reattached myself before I flew, but.

If I'm wrong I feel certain someone will correct me :)

> ALWAYS PREFLIGHT

Can't disagree with this!

Snowbird


