Cessna 300/400 Series Corroded Trim Tab Screws A repair station states it has begun removing the four screws attaching the elevator trim tab horn to the trim tab to inspect them for corrosion at every annual inspection performed on 300/400 series Cessnas. The facility reports finding numerous screws corroded almost in half; there is no way to inspect these screws (p/n AN515-8R26 and MS35206-251) without removing them. Part Total Time: (unknown). Diamond DA20-A1 Backwards ELT Installation A repair station technician reports finding an ELT (p/n EBC-0502) installed backwards when removing it from the aircraft for replacement: The direction of flight arrow was pointing aft. This particular installation is located in the baggage compartment-a pilot can slide it out of its mount and reinstall it backwards. Part Total Time: (unknown). Piper PA23-160 Failed Main Gear Drag Link 288
Corrosion And Chafing
A repair station states it has begun removing the four screws attaching the elevator trim tab horn to the trim tab to inspect them for corrosion at every annual inspection performed on 300/400 series Cessnas. The facility reports finding numerous screws corroded almost in half; there is no way to inspect these screws (p/n AN515-8R26 and MS35206-251) without removing them.
Key Takeaways:
- Aircraft maintenance reports highlight recurring issues of hidden corrosion, metal fatigue, and chafing on critical structural and control components across various aircraft models.
- These problems often occur in areas that are not easily accessible or are overlooked during standard periodic inspections, necessitating more thorough and specific examination procedures, sometimes involving disassembly.
- The reported incidents underscore the potential for critical system failures (e.g., flight controls, landing gear, engine mounts, hydraulic systems, emergency beacons) due to undetected component degradation or improper installation.
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