The following information is derived from the FAAs Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.
———-
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. It is recommended this latch joint be inspected for wear during every scheduled inspection.Part Total Time: n/a.
Mooney M20J
Cracked Seat Crank
Aft movement of the pilots seat during takeoff motivated an inspection. The left rear bell crank assembly was found cracked, allowing the frame to distort enough that the seat lock pins would not fully engage the slide tracks.A new bellcrank and tube assembly were installed (p/ns 140216-501 and 140216-021). The new bellcrank had reinforcement straps welded at the failure point. The new parts returned the seat to normal operation. This vertically adjusting seat is optional: p/n 140215-501.Part Total Time: 2597.5 hours.
Piper PA28 and-32
Corroded Aileron Balance Weight
An FAA office received a report of a corroded aileron balance weight assembly on a 1964 Piper PA-28-235 (p/n 62369-00 or 62369-01). Recommendations for those Piper PA-28 and PA-32 model airplanes that meet the applicability requirements specified in Airworthiness Directive (AD) 67-12-06 include: Accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a) through (c) of the AD for the aileron balance weight assembly. Perform those actions at the next annual or 100 hour inspection (whichever comes first) and repeat during every annual inspection. Consider additional inspection of the area where the assembly attaches to the aileron end-rib. More corrosion may be found.Part Total Time: unknown.
Piper PA46
Cracked Wing Spar
A technician noted several rivets attaching the right wing skin to the lower wing spar were becoming loose (smoking) just outboard of the main gear door and inboard of the rib (p/n 83133-03) at wing station 79.5. A crack was found inside the wing on the bottom aft side of the spar angle (p/n 82200-696), starting at the aft edge and propagating forward.It appears the wing flexes considerably in this area. The technician encourages completion of Piper Service Bulletin SB796B, part 1 of which addresses this issue.Part Total Time: 5237.7 hours.
