Beech Model 300 King Air
Failed Fuselage Crosstie
Inspection of the sidewall structure revealed a failed crosstie at fuselage station 227.125. The part cracked fully in two pieces and is deformed from its original flat shape, apparently from compression. Two rivets immediately above the break have failed. No other crossties (p/n 101-420013-1122) display any deformation, cracking or evidence of preload.
Part Total Time: 8186 hours
288
Piper PA-28-RT201 Turbo Arrow IV
Failed Landing Gear Power Pack
The hydraulic landing gear power pack motor (p/n HYC5005) failed during initial gear retraction after takeoff. The aircraft made a successful gear-up landing. Investigation determined the failure was due to fracture of the solder joint attaching an electric motor brush pigtail to the brush holder. The broken solder joint created enough heat from high resistance to discolor the brush holder and anneal the brush spring. The power pack had been overhauled 29 months/142.5 hours earlier.
Part Total Time: 142.5 hours
Taylorcraft BC12D
Cracked Rear Wing Spars
Upon inspection, several cracks in both wing spars were found. One spar was intentionally broken to show the extent of the vertical crack. This aircraft has 185.8 hours and nine years in service since restoration. At some point before the previous fabric replacement, it apparently had been ground looped onto both wings. We have now replaced all four spars due to questionable wood.
Extensive visual inspection techniques using high-intensity lights and mirrors are necessary. If in doubt, remove the fabric cover for better inspections.
Part Total Time: (unknown)
Lycoming IO-360-L2A
Failed Fuel Pump
The Cessna 172S in which this engine was mounted exhibited oil streaming down its belly and dripping from a drain tube below the firewall, which is connected to an overflow fitting on the engine-mounted mechanical fuel pump (p/n LW15473). The pump was disassembled and oil was found leaking through the first of two diaphragms in this dual-diaphragm pump. The rubber material covering the diaphragm’s base was flaking off.
Part Total Time: 2518 hours
Continental IO-550-N
Worn Crankshaft Gear
Upon removing the alternator for inspection, all of the teeth on the crankshaft gear (p/n 632018) face were either missing or severely worn.
Part Total Time: 1150 hours
