Originally posted by Naso
It's a sturdy plane, it will fly again.
Looking the video seems that the structure have no mayor damage, only engines and engines supports.
....And paint of the belly.
That aircraft will be grounded a minimum of 18 mos. and require $600000.00 minimum to repair. All four engines suddenly stopped, which means all the cranks will be suspect. That alone without parts is $ 50k an engine. Next 4 props, $25k a pop. Now, the gear collapsed, which means the 2 inboard nacelles will more than likely have severe damage and require rebuild, and seeings the forward spar runs right underneath each gear leg, the chances of it taking damage are very high. Both lower wing (2 on each side) attach angles will have come in contact with the ground, meaning the wings come off and they are inspected. My bet is they will find cracks and corrosion in those areas meaning further work. Lastly, the fuselage. The b-17 bombbay's main structure is a box like structure with a fore to aft catwalk in the center (major structure) Most likely, these areas will have survived intact with the exception of the center catwalk structure, (which will most likely have crushed) but will require a major inspection (NDT that ilk) but, the surrounding sheetmetal, including the bb doors will most likely be a writeoff. The lower fuselage from nose to waist will have to be rebuilt with major work in the ball area and under the cockpit. This said, that aircraft is MAJORLY messed up. My personal bet (hope I am wrong) is that she does not fly for 3 yrs and requires over a million in repairs. Frankly, the EAA does not have the funds right now for this.
