[Titanaircraft] Tail cracks

I recently discovered 2 cracks in the vertical stabilizer on my Tornado II. Each is at the lower aft corner where the sheet metal is cut at a 120 degree angle. The cracks are about 1-2". I have repaired them with a double layer of .025 aluminum, one inside and one out, and have fixed them with epoxy. It seems this would be sturdy enough to prevent the cracks from recurring. The metal of the tail seems to be .016" or perhaps .020".

My big concern is why these might have happened in the first place. I've followed this group through from the first message ever posted and don't recall anyone else mentioning this kind of problem so I'm inviting any input there might be about this.

Construction of the kit was supervised and assisted by Mike and Jeromy in Richland WA so it was probably done right. About the only thing I can think of is that I operate mainly out of a slightly rough grass strip and perhaps the jarring on the ground is causing the cracks. This seems kind of unlikely but it's the only thing that comes to mind.

Thanks for any input, Bob Coombs

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