Cessna 182T Cracked Firewall Doubler A 1.5-inch long crack was discovered in the forward firewall doubler (p/n 0753600-24). The crack was located on the lower left quadrant of the doubler, and was centered around the top rivet attaching the parking brake control bracket to the 288 firewall and firewall doubler. When the parking brake handle is pulled, this area of the firewall and doubler flex. The submitter suggests it is very probable that this flexing action has caused this crack. Part Total Time: 2991.0 hours Cessna 402C Misadjusted Fuel Injection System While performing the in-range checklist, the right engine quit. The crew managed to restore power, but the engine quit again after landing. Inspection revealed fuel flow and idle mixture settings were out of limits. After adjusting both high fuel flow and idle mixture settings, and a satisfactory ground check, the aircraft was released back into service. Part Total Time: 1102.0 hours Artex ME-406 ELT Failure to Reset After Test During bench testing, the ELT (p/n 453-6603, s/n 14668) would not turn off or reset. Internal battery had to be unplugged to prevent repeated transmission. The ELT was returned to the manufacturer, which indicated the problem could not be duplicated and returned the ELT. Upon receipt, another test was initiated. Once again, the ELT would not reset after testing its G switch. The ELT has been sent back to the manufacturer again. Part Total Time: Unknown Continental O-470R Cracked Case Engine installed in Cessna 182L failed while in cruise flight. Inspection revealed the case was cracked above the number five cylinder; the number five piston was completely destroyed. This engine was last overhauled 17 years earlier. Probable contributing causes for the failure include the age of the part combined with operating on auto fuel for an unknown amount of time. Compliance with the manufacturers recommended overhaul time and procedures could help prevent this type of failure. Part Total Time: Unknown Mooney M20R Standby Vacuum Hose Failure Pilot noticed a low vacuum warning while in cruise flight. Activating the standby vacuum system cause circuit breaker to trip. Investigation revealed a frozen vacuum pump. The rubber supply hose interior was deteriorated, filling the electric pump with contaminants. Part Total Time: Unknown
Cracks, Adjustments
A 1.5-inch long crack was discovered in the forward firewall doubler (p/n 0753600-24). The crack was located on the lower left quadrant of the doubler, and was centered around the top rivet attaching the parking brake control bracket to the firewall and firewall doubler.When the parking brake handle is pulled, this area of the firewall and doubler flex. The submitter suggests it is very probable that this flexing action has caused this crack.
Key Takeaways:
- A Cessna 182T was found with a 1.5-inch crack in its firewall doubler, likely caused by repeated flexing from parking brake operation.
- A Cessna 402C experienced multiple engine shutdowns due to a misadjusted fuel injection system with out-of-limits fuel flow and idle mixture settings.
- An Artex ME-406 ELT repeatedly failed to turn off or reset after G-switch testing, requiring battery disconnection and multiple returns to the manufacturer.
- A Continental O-470R engine failed in cruise due to a cracked case and destroyed piston, with age (17 years since overhaul) and potential auto fuel use cited as contributing factors.
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