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:
- Multiple aircraft experienced structural integrity issues, including loose vertical stabilizer rivets (Socata TB9) and cracked fuselage stiffeners/keel (BEECH B60 Duke).
- Engine-related components reported failures such as a disintegrated starter driver gear (Piper PA-31-350) and recurring cracked turbocharger clamps on both engines (CESSNA 421 Golden Eagle).
- Other reported malfunctions included a frayed ruddervator control cable (BEECH V35 Bonanza) and a charred cabin heater fuel pump (BEECH 58 Baron), which was noted as a recurring issue within a fleet.
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