Squawk Box

Quality Control

Beech A36Incorrect Starter AdapterA repair station mechanic states, “This aircraft came to our shop with smoke and oil coming out of the tailpipe. Four hours prior an annual inspection was completed and at that time the starter adapter was replaced with the wrong part.This aircraft had been modified with a Tornado Alley Turbo Charger system. The STC requires the starter adaptor assembly be changed to p/n 642087A63, which includes an oil scavenge pump; p/n 652087A64…

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Parts And Components

The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance AlertsUnison UREM40EDefective Spark PlugsDuring the installation and operational check of two new Unison/Slick magnetos-plus harness and eight spark plugs-to correct a hard starting discrepancy, the engine had a 200-300 RPM magneto drop on the left magneto.Troubleshooting determined one of the eight […]

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Chafing And Cracks

The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.Beech (Raytheon) Model 58 BaronChafing Fuel LineWhile retracting and extending the landing gear for adjustment of a drooping inboard main wheel door, abnormal noise and vibration (was noted at mid-cycle). Further investigation found the r/h main landing gear retract rod assembly […]

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Squawk Box: 09/06

The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.

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Beech (Raytheon) Model A36 Bonanza
Fuel Tank Bladder Contamination

A repair station technician states, A customer reported white particles coming from the (aircrafts) quick drains. Two fuel bladders were removed and inspected: evidence of the white powder was found in various places in both tanks. They were replaced with new units from the original manufacturer, who was made aware of the problem. (Part numbers provided are 2121-9-1 and 2121-10-2.)Part Total Time: 9.7 hours.

Beech (Raytheon) Model E55 Baron
Failed Nose Gear Retraction…

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Squawk Box: 08/06

The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.

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Beech Model 58 Baron
Deice System Contamination

During prolonged periods of operation in heavy precipitation considerable amounts of water enter into the pneumatic system, stated the mechanic. Inspection of the pneumatic system revealed large amounts of water being passed through the deice boot ejector. (Approximately five weeks later) the pneumatic system was (again) inspected and found to be contaminated with water. The flight crew reported (again) the aircraft (had been) operated for an extended period of time in heavy precipitation. The loca…

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Squawk Box: 07/06

The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.

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Cessna Single Engine Airplanes
Fuel Strainer Orientation

The FAA has been advised that some fuel strainer assemblies may have been originally installed or are being put back into service improperly. Cessna single-engine airplanes may have the fuel strainer assembly installed with the fuel flow arrow oriented against the fuel flow path. Although fuel may freely flow, contaminants may not be removed during a normal check of the fuel strainer. The FAA recommends all owners and operators check fuel strainer orientation at the next inspection to ensure pr…

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Squawk Box: 06/06

The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.

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Sonerai Model II LT Experimental
Failed Canopy Latch Mechanism

During the investigation into an accident involving a Sonerai II Experimental aircraft, it was discovered that the canopy latch had no positive or over-center latch mechanism to prevent the canopy from coming open during flight. According to a post-accident interview with the pilot/builder, the canopy inadvertently came open in flight, causing loss of control-one factor contributing to the accident. This aircraft was substantially damaged and the pilot was seriously injured.The FAA admon…

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Squawk Box: 04/06

The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.

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Cessna 170B, 172-172E, 180, 182-182D, 185s
Worn Flap Handle Latch

The FAA has received reports of problems associated with a tubular spacer found within Cessna flap handle latch mechanisms (p/n 0510166-0 through -5). The spacer is transfixed by a rivet with washers at each end.Continued use of this latch mechanism causes wear on the handle. Should this occur, the spacer can work itself out of the handle sufficiently to jam the latching mechanism. Wear may be evidenced by scraping marks found just below the washers on either side of the flap handle….

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Squawk Box: 02/06

The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.

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Aeronca 7AC
Cracked Wing Spar

A submitter states, The aft righthand spar has a longitudinal crack on the lower end. The crack is located at the strut attach point. (This) spar also shows signs of rotting-inboard of the crack area. No description of this crack or dimensions was provided, nor was there an included part number for the spar.Part Total Time: 4138.1 hours.

Beechcraft Model A-36 Bonanza
Imploded Tip Tank

The airplane was fitted with Osborne Inc. auxiliary fuel tip tanks. The righthand tank (p/n 55000-105) imploded, prob…

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Squawk Box: 01/06

Cessna 150M
Cracked Engine Mount

A mechanic found the R/H lower engine mount tube cracked. The crack is located within one inch of the nose wheel strut support. This crack is -inch in length, moving around the circumference of the tube. The mount (p/n 0451120-1) was replaced.Part Total Time: 5002.1 hours.

Cessna 172
Cracked Rear Wing Spar

A crack was found in the rear wing spar. A search of the SDRS database found three airplanes where cracked spars were detected. The total time in service (TIS) for these three airplanes ranged between 12,000 and 16,000 hours. The cracks are hidden between the lower skin and the flap track support rib. Use of a magnify…

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Pilot in aircraft
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