FAA Issues Airworthiness Directive for Certain Piper Aircraft Models

The AD will affect about 500 U.S.-registered aircraft, according to the agency.

Amelia Walsh

Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 05:46 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The FAA said the airworthiness directive will affect some 500 U.S.-registered aircraft similar to the one here—including certain serial-numbered Piper models PA-28-181, PA-28R-201, PA-34-220T, and PA-44-180. [File Photo]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA issued an urgent Airworthiness Directive (AD) for specific Piper PA-28, PA-34, and PA-44 series aircraft due to a critical manufacturing defect.
An unscheduled inspection revealed a double-drilled bolt hole in the rear wing spar attachment fitting, which significantly reduces structural strength and poses a severe risk of wing separation.
The AD affects approximately 500 U.S.-registered aircraft, requiring immediate inspection of wing spar fittings and necessary corrective actions to prevent potential loss of control, bypassing standard public comment due to the imminent safety threat.

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The FAA issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for specific Piper aircraft models after an unscheduled inspection, prompted by a ground collision with an automobile, revealed a double-drilled bolt hole in the rear wing spar attachment fitting.

The FAA says the AD will affect some 500 U.S.-registered aircraft—including certain serial-numbered Piper models PA-28-181, PA-28R-201, PA-34-220T, and PA-44-180. It requires inspection of the rear wing spar attachment fitting and, if discrepancies are found, inspecting the forward wing spar attachment fitting as well. The directive mandates performing necessary corrective actions and notifying the FAA once these actions have been completed.