The Liberty XL2, a two-place trainer/touring airplane manufactured in Melbourne, Florida, might well be the most eccentric, innovative and downright quirky certified airplane you can buy, and chances are good that even if you have heard of it, you don’t really know just how odd and cool it is. The Liberty embodies several notable contrasts. […]
April 1, 2006, Hudson, Colo.
Rans S-7 Experimental
At 1625 Mountain time, the aircraft was substantially damaged when it impacted an oil tank while landing. Visual conditions prevailed; the Airline Transport pilot and pilot-rated passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot subsequently stated they were attempting to land on Runway 15 when the airplane impacted the oil tank on the left side of the runway. The right wing separated, and the right horizontal stabilizer was bent up and wrinkled. The closest official weather observation at the time of the accident included winds from 340 degrees at 21 knots, gusting to 27 knots. A peak wind recorded at 29 minutes past the hou…
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….
January 1, 2006, Peachtree City, Ga.
Piper PA-28-180
At 2007 Eastern time, the aircraft collided with trees during an approach in instrument conditions. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and the Private pilot was fatally injured. The pilot had been cleared for the Runway 10 Localizer approach at the Macon Downtown Airport (MAC). Shortly after receiving the clearance, he reported overflying the airport, and requested another approach.During the second approach the pilot said he was having trouble staying on the localizer course; control tower personnel reported seeing the airplane overfly the runway. Controllers then diverted the flight to Middle Georgia Regional…
If you believe the hype, thousands of very light jets are right around the corner. What will it take for pilots without jet experience to safely fly them?
The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.
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Beech B200
Flap Extension Failure
While in flight the aircraft flaps failed to extend to the selected position. The pilot had to cycle the flap select switch several times before effecting flap extension. Maintenance was able to duplicate the problem on the ground. When the flaps were selected to the approach position, they moved approximately five degrees, then stopped. A finger tap on the flap motor relay returned the flaps to normal response operation. Installation of a replacement relay solved the problem. The failed relay (p/n SM50D) had 69.0 ho…
What could be simpler than wing flaps? But not all designs work the same and each has it quirks. Heres how to get the most out of the type youre flying.
Last April, an instrument-rated private pilot took off from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in his SR22 bound for Palm Beach International. It was solid IFR, 400 overcast. The pilot was experienced in Cirrus airplanes-he was a founder of the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association-he regularly flew such IFR flights, and he knew his airplane well. […]
The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.
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Lycoming IO-540 Engines
Crankshaft Gear Bolts
A new AD supercedes AD 2002-23-06 regarding certain zinc plated crankshaft gear retaining bolts installe d in Lycoming AEIO-540, IO-540, LTIO-540, and TIO-540 series engines. The AD retains the original requirement but expands the population of affected engines by 161. In addition, it AD adds five additional kits (alternative method of complia nce) for replacing the crankshaft gear retaining bolts.
Lancair 400
Fuel Pressure Transducer
AD 2004-06-09, Fuel Pressure Transducer Inspection,…
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