Socata TB9 Tampico Loose Rivets In Vertical Stabilizer During the preflight inspection for a local training flight, blind rivets located halfway up the vertical stabilizer were found to be making aluminum oxide trails (smoking) on both sides of the vertical fin. This condition is indicative of a potentially loose rivet or cracked inner rib. Manufacturers service bulletin 10-083 requires this type of blind rivet at this location. The submitter suspects other aircraft may have the same issue. Part Total Time: Unknown Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Failed Starter Driver Gear 288
Working Rivets
During the preflight inspection for a local training flight, blind rivets located halfway up the vertical stabilizer were found to be making aluminum oxide trails (smoking) on both sides of the vertical fin.
Key Takeaways:
- Multiple aircraft models experienced structural integrity issues, including loose rivets on a vertical stabilizer, cracked fuselage stiffeners and keel, and a frayed ruddervator control cable.
- Engine and ancillary system failures were reported, such as a disintegrated starter driver gear, a charred cabin heater fuel pump causing cockpit smoke, and cracked turbocharger clamps.
- Many of these defects were discovered during routine pre-flight or scheduled inspections, underscoring the importance of thorough maintenance checks.
- Some issues, like the charred heater fuel pump and cracked turbocharger clamps, show signs of being recurring or fleet-wide concerns across similar aircraft.
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