Can anyone comment on the reliability of having a spoiler actuated by cable with a return spring? This was used on the Maupin Woodstock and on other homebuilt sailplanes. I have concerns about cable-actuated spoilers that rely upon the spring to return them. If a spring fails while the spoiler is deployed, I forsee the airflow pushing the spoiler aft but the negative pressure over the wing keeping it deployed/open. Anyone know of failures of the springs in such a case?
Opinions based on other control systems using cables and springs might be helpful too.