On August 28, the FAA published an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2020-18-51 for certain Sandia attitude indicators with a part number (P/N) 306171-10 or 306171-20 installed, as well as those marketed as BendixKing Model KI-300 or Sandia Model SAI-340A.
Emergency AD Issued For Sandia & BendixKing Attitude Indicators
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD 2020-18-51) on August 28 for specific Sandia attitude indicators (P/N 306171-10, 306171-20, BendixKing KI-300, Sandia SAI-340A).
- This AD was prompted by 54 reported failures of these units, which can provide erroneous attitude data to pilots and autopilots, often without the pilot's awareness.
- Such failures could lead to aeronautical decision-making based on incorrect information, potentially resulting in loss of aircraft control.
- The emergency AD requires, before further flight, revising the airplane flight manual to prohibit IFR or night VFR operations and prevent these units from coupling with the autopilot.
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