Hello POA,
I had an unusual occurrence on my last XC flight and thought I'd ask if anyone has seen this happen before. I make a few trips each year 375 NM in my 64 Mooney Super21. This last time on my return trip the AI stopped working about an hour into the flight. It showed about a 10 degree right bank angle when the airplane was straight and level. The vacuum gauge showed a steady 5.5 inches the whole time. I was cruising VFR at 9500 feet and about 140 kts TAS, 10 degrees C, and altimeter was 30.03 to 30.10 during the flight. After about 2 hours I noticed the DG seemed to be out of service as well. The vacuum gauge still read 5.5.
Now here is the funny part. When I entered the traffic pattern both instruments were again working fine. I talked to my mechanic and also another mechanic with aviation experience. They were unsure what would cause this problem and then reverse itself again at low altitude. One of the suggestions is to check all the vacuum hoses and connections on the instruments themselves. I intend to on my next visit to the airport.
I was wondering if any of you have ever had a similar problem and what did you do to correct it?
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
I had an unusual occurrence on my last XC flight and thought I'd ask if anyone has seen this happen before. I make a few trips each year 375 NM in my 64 Mooney Super21. This last time on my return trip the AI stopped working about an hour into the flight. It showed about a 10 degree right bank angle when the airplane was straight and level. The vacuum gauge showed a steady 5.5 inches the whole time. I was cruising VFR at 9500 feet and about 140 kts TAS, 10 degrees C, and altimeter was 30.03 to 30.10 during the flight. After about 2 hours I noticed the DG seemed to be out of service as well. The vacuum gauge still read 5.5.
Now here is the funny part. When I entered the traffic pattern both instruments were again working fine. I talked to my mechanic and also another mechanic with aviation experience. They were unsure what would cause this problem and then reverse itself again at low altitude. One of the suggestions is to check all the vacuum hoses and connections on the instruments themselves. I intend to on my next visit to the airport.
I was wondering if any of you have ever had a similar problem and what did you do to correct it?
Thanks in advance for your consideration.