I’m looking for the release handle located on the interior side of the baggage door for a B-model Comanche. I just noticed it was missing. I’m sure it is automotive related. Anyone have a picture of the handle and/or where to locate one? I’ve attached a picture of the locking mechanism without the handle.

Charlie,

As I recall it is not a "handle" rather a small two to three inch cam type lever to release the latch. It doesn't look like an automotive part. Might have to replace the whole latching assembly to make it work.

Charlie,
Here is the best pic I could find of the handle. I believe, without looking, that there is a set screw in the side, but it looks like a simple machined piece of aluminum to me. Come on now, you don't want to just install a semi-perminent set of vicegrips...
-Zach

I have owned the plane for 21 years and the little red handle has not been on the latch since I’ve had it; never knew it existed. Vice-grips are probably fine for the FAA however I think Transport Canada would frown on that.

Thanks for the picture. I know what I’m looking for now.

Charlie,

Here's the problem. In 21 years no one ever rode in your baggage compartment who needed to egress. That would have aroused your curiosity. Now you are in a pickle because the new owner has discovered a defect and wants to return the airplane. IMO a vice grip won't work. Remove the latching assembly. Tape the door shut and find a junk yard replacement...probably not in Canada. Failing that call in the Mounties...

My guess is that at some point the lever was removed so that there would not be an accidental egress while inflight by a young curious passenger. This was no doubt done at the behest of the wouldbe passennger's mother. All arguments regarding the safety pine being of no avail. Ask me how I know.

Don

David,
The new owner is extremely pleased with the Comanche. His mechanics told him they have not seen a Comanche that well maintained in a long time. Transport Canada has told the owner the import will be a piece of cake after glancing at the detailed paperwork and the condition of the aircraft. I have a box of excess “stuff” I found in my hanger lockers ready to send him and will add the interior baggage door latch when I find one.

Don,
Your reply as to why the latch handle may have been removed makes very good sense.

Charlie,

Nothing beats a satisfied customer. I was just hamming it up. No doubt in my mind about the quality of your airplane. Recall the old yarn, "for want of a nail,etc...a kingdom was lost." For lack of a door latch...you get the idea. I took a 260B I was selling to Tim in Clifton for a pre buy and as I taxied past the prospective buyer the baggage door came unlatched and that wonderful pneumatic aftermarket arm forced it wide open. I lost the sale, but not the kingdom.

Well, back to the original question. Can anyone point me in the direction where a B-model Comanche may be being parted out? I don’t know of any around Tennessee.

Charlie, try Webco, they repaired mine once and it looks just like what Zach showed.

Hi Charlie,

On Barnstormers there is an add for a twinco being parted out. Although it does not specify the model at least one photo suggests its a B model. Here's the contact info:

Located Greenville, Tx. • Contact Jim Johnson, Owner - located Greenville, TX USA • Telephone: 903-217-6220 . 903-454-2028 •

Good luck, Don