"I have been in the center of a controversy over the center channel failures in RV12's. These photos show three different failures of the center channel, from forces on the main landing gear trying to tear out the bolt holding it to the center channel. Two were accompanied by severe side skin bending, one was not. I total of 9 planes have had severe fuselage side distortions, that seem to be a precursor to the cracking. Obviously a design flaw, and I will strengthen the area somehow (no solutions finalized yet) prior to continuing with the construction. At this stage there are those saying only severe misuse could do that, but there are far too many failures to just blame it on the pilots. It appears to me that the bouncing of the main wheel, is flexing the channel and eventually fatigue sets in with cracks. Some of these have never seen a turf strip, and deny excessive braking as well. The mystery deepends!"
