The FAA recently published an airworthiness directive—2020-26-16—covering many single-engine Pipers that carry either a PA-28 or PA-32 model number. “This AD was prompted by a report of a wing separation caused by fatigue cracking in a visually inaccessible area of the lower main wing spar cap,” the directive said. “This AD requires calculating the factored service hours for each main wing spar to determine when an inspection is required, inspecting the lower main wing spar bolt holes for cracks, and replacing any cracked main wing spars. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products,” adding that failure to comply with the directive could lead to failure of a main wing spar.
FAA Publishes AD on Corrosion For Many PA-28 and PA-32 Aircraft
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-26-16 for single-engine Piper PA-28 and PA-32 models, prompted by a wing separation caused by fatigue cracking in an inaccessible area of the lower main wing spar.
- The AD requires calculating factored service hours, inspecting lower main wing spar bolt holes for cracks, and replacing any cracked main wing spars to prevent catastrophic wing failure.
- The directive also mandates inspecting both main wing spars for corrosion, offering flexible access methods (e.g., existing panels, borescope) instead of requiring new inspection panel installations.
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