Agency Received Reports Of Chafed Fuel Return Assemblies

The FAA is proposing an AD for Cessna 172R and 172S airplanes. The proposed AD was prompted by reports of chafed fuel return line assemblies, which were caused by the fuel return line assembly rubbing against the right steering tube assembly during full rudder pedal actuation.

The proposed AD would require the inspection of the fuel return line assembly for chafing; replace the fuel return line assembly if chafing is found; inspect the clearance between the fuel return line assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane structure; and adjustment as necessary.

In January 2012, the FAA issued AD 2012-02-02 (77 FR 6003, February 7, 2012) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R and 172S airplanes. That AD required inspection of the fuel return line assembly for chafing; replacement of the fuel return line assembly if chafing is found; inspection of the clearance between the fuel return line assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane structure; and adjustment as necessary. The AD resulted from reports of chafed fuel return line assemblies, which were caused by the fuel return line assembly rubbing against the right steering tube assembly during full rudder pedal actuation. The AD was issued to detect and correct chafing of the fuel return line assembly, which could result in fuel leaking under the floor and fuel vapors entering the cabin. This condition could lead to fire under the floor or in the cabin area.

The agency was recently notified that the unsafe condition also applies to airplanes with an installed engine fuel return system modification kit. After evaluation of all the relevant information, the agency determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Comments on the proposed new AD are due to the agency by October 4, 2012.

(File image provided by Cessna)

FMI: www.faa.gov