Socata TB9 Tampico Loose Rivets In Vertical Stabilizer During the preflight inspection for a local training flight, blind rivets located halfway up the vertical stabilizer were found to be making aluminum oxide trails (smoking) on both sides of the vertical fin. This condition is indicative of a potentially loose rivet or cracked inner rib. Manufacturers service bulletin 10-083 requires this type of blind rivet at this location. The submitter suspects other aircraft may have the same issue. Part Total Time: Unknown Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Failed Starter Driver Gear 288
Working Rivets
During the preflight inspection for a local training flight, blind rivets located halfway up the vertical stabilizer were found to be making aluminum oxide trails (smoking) on both sides of the vertical fin.
Key Takeaways:
- A range of structural integrity issues were reported, including loose vertical stabilizer rivets, cracked fuselage stiffeners and keels, and recurring cracked turbocharger clamps.
- Mechanical failures included a disintegrated starter driver gear and a frayed ruddervator control cable.
- A charred cabin heater fuel pump caused smoke and an electrical burning smell, noted as a recurring issue within a fleet.
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