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Wear and Tear

A mechanic writes, "Upon changing a tire on a Cleveland wheel assembly on this aircraft, it was discovered the wheel half holding the bearing race was cracking. It had cracked over 180 degrees around the opening, which eventually could have (led) to a serious accident." When technicians began to "flip" the tire to even out the wear, they found a loose bearing race. The wheel crack was then found, having progressed more than 180 degrees around the axle hole. Provided wheel p/ns are 199-64 and/or 40-40A.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Cessna 310L was found with a severely cracked wheel half (over 180 degrees) during a tire change, which could have led to a serious accident.
  • A Diamond DA-20 experienced both horizontal stabilizer mount bolts breaking in flight, prompting inspections on other aircraft and NTSB involvement.
  • A Mooney M20J exhibited corroded and shearing engine-cowling rivets, attributed to the use of improper aluminum fasteners in a composite laminate structure.
  • A Piper PA-31-350 had a main gear retraction arm bolt fail due to fatigue, causing a gear indication issue and actuator damage, and highlighting a lack of inspection requirements for these specific bolts.
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Cessna 310L

Cracked Wheel

A mechanic writes, “Upon changing a tire on a Cleveland wheel assembly on this aircraft, it was discovered the wheel half holding the bearing race was cracking. It had cracked over 180 degrees around the opening, which eventually could have (led) to a serious accident.”

When technicians began to “flip” the tire to even out the wear, they found a loose bearing race. The wheel crack was then found, having progressed more than 180 degrees around the axle hole. Provided wheel p/ns are 199-64 and/or 40-40A.

Part Total Time: 2200.0 hours.

Diamond DA-20

Broken Horizontal Stabilizer Bolts

The aircraft returned from a flight with both horizontal stabilizer mount bolts broken (p/n AN3-11A). Technicians removed the rudder and horizontal stabilizer to inspect

Broken Horizontal Stabilizer Bolts

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