Leader 480 Hatch

[octagon]

Hi Guys,
I lost my Leader 480 hatch in the field today. It came loose and went down south east of the field in the wheat, I think about as far out as the treeline to the east, but south of the treeline itself. If anyone finds it out there please let me know. I will be away until the 2nd of August.
Thanks, Rob

[Frank v B]

re: E-Flite hatches.  Every one of my E-Flite planes have blown their hatches.  These include the 450 Taylorcraft, Leader 480,  25 Beaver (3x), Pogo, Grasshopper.


Youda thunk I would have figured it out the first time it happened but finally clued in last year.  As the plane is turned upwind on a gusty (not just windy) day, the gust pressurizes the fuse and pops the hatch. 
I put a piece of electrical tape on the hatch of every plane for every flight. On the Beaver I put a finger hole in the hatch so the fuse could not pressurize since the Beaver has a large round cowl that funnels in the wind gust.


For what it is worth.


Frank