The following information is derived from the FAA’s Service Difficulty Reports and Aviation Maintenance Alerts.
Piper PA-28R-201T Turbo Arrow III
Corroded, Cracked Firewall
During annual inspection, corrosion, a hole and a crack were discovered in the firewall behind the turbocharger. The corroded area measures 8 x 4 inches, with a 1.5-inch hole and 3-plus-inch crack. Recommend replacement of firewall with the addition of a fabricated stainless steel heat shield attached to firewall, directly behind turbocharger.
Part total time: 3977.0 hours
Piper PA-44-180 Seminole
Cracked Fuselage Doubler
The aft fuselage bulkhead was found cracked and was in the process of being replaced. When the bulkhead was removed, the doubler, the subject of this report, was found to have numerous cracks as well. Cracks were concentrated in the two outboard top rivet holes, same as the bulkhead it was riveted to, with multiple cracks at each location.
Part total time: 6405.0 hours
Piper PA-28-181 Archer II/III
Failed Control Yoke Shaft
During flight, the student pilot in the left seat noticed the control yoke and shaft had disconnected from the flight control system. The flight instructor took control, noting aileron travel was restricted but control could be maintained. An uneventful landing followed. Inspection revealed the left control yoke universal joint had separated. Two ADs are applicable but neither directly addresses this specific area of the universal joint.
Part total time: 1937.0 hours
Piper PA-34-200 Seneca
Failed Landing Gear Circuit Breaker
When the pilot selected landing gear up, the indicator lights extinguished but the landing gear failed to retract. The manual extension was activated with no change in landing gear indication. The aircraft was landed without further incident. Trouble-shooting revealed the 5-amp landing gear control circuit breaker (p/n 454706) was open internally but not tripped.
Part total time: 8147.0 hours
Piper PA46350P Malibu Mirage
Improperly Drilled Elevator Horn
During annual inspection, lateral play was noticed in the elevator control horn. The horn was removed. Further inspection revealed the holes in the horn were too large for the 0.125-inch rivets used during installation.
Part total time: 1148 hours
Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six
Failed Stabilator Control Cable
During inspection IAW AD 2013-02-13, the stabilator control cable failed at the swage area through the safety wire hole while safetying to turnbuckle. Instructions in SB 1245A were followed. No apparent cracks were noted during the inspection after cleaning.
Part total time: 2422.0 hours
