Bent, Corroded, Cracked

While investigating a soft-brake condition, Skydrol was noted leaking from around the belly beacon-its lens was full of fluid. After removing the interior and center-aisle floor panels, hydraulic fluid was noted dripping from the rigid right brake line (p/n 90E5517010-64 at fuselage station FS248.1). The Cessna-installed Keith Air Conditioning cold-air duct is Ty-wrapped to the brake fluid lines. The belly beacon is directly below the corrosion and the Skydrol leakage. The aircraft is not equipped with belly drains. The submitter speculates water condenses in the belly of the aircraft and the beacon creates heat-(in turn generating) humidity, causing corrosion on component parts in the underfloor area.

Key Takeaways:

• Structural failures included a cracked bellcrank support arm on a Beech 65-B80 and a cracked fuel pressure tube on a Piper PA46, leading to fuel leakage and power loss.
• Corrosion issues were found on Cessna 500 hydraulic brake lines, possibly due to trapped moisture and lack of drains, and a critical main gear attach bolt on a Piper PA28-161, with recommended periodic checks and replacement.
• Bent and joggled nose landing gear torque link attach bolts were reported on a Diamond DA42, attributed to shear loads during operation.

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