Follows An In-Flight Breakup Of A Cessna 210M In Australia In May

The FAA is asking pilots and owners of Cessna 177 and 210 airplanes to provide information on known cracking of the carry-thru wing spar used in the airplanes.

According to the ATSB, on May 26, 2019, a Cessna Aircraft Company 210M, registered VH-SUX and operated by Thomson Aviation, departed Mount Isa Airport for an aerial geological survey flight. There were two pilots on board, one operating the aircraft and the other observing the flight to familiarize himself with the survey area. The survey was to be conducted at a target height of about 200 ft above ground level along parallel east and west lines, spaced about 300 feet apart.

The evidence indicated that about 1 hour and 40 minutes into the flight, as the aircraft tracked west along the sixth survey line, the right wing separated, resulting in a rapid loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain. The pilots were fatally injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

On-site examination of the wreckage indicated the right wing and part of the carry-through spar had separated from the aircraft. Preliminary examination of the spar identified that it had fractured through an area of pre-existing fatigue cracking. The fracture was located inboard of the wing attachment lugs.

The FAA said in an Airworthiness Concern Sheet that tExtron issued Mandatory Service Letters providing instructions for a detailed visual inspection and an eddy current inspection of the lower surface of the carry-thru spar, which is common to both Cessna 177 and 210 models. Corrosion is a factor in the development of cracks in the spar, according to Textron.

The FAA says it has not identified any additional instances of the cracking in Cessna 177 or Cessna 210 models, but is continuing to assess the available information to determine what corrective action may be needed.

In the ACS, the FAA says it would like to receive any information on known cracking of the carry-thru spar on the cited airplanes, including cracking previously identified in the spars. The agency is also seeking comments on the Textron service letters, and information on the status of the fleet. They are asking owners and operators of Cessna 177 and cantilever wing Cessna 210 airplanes to voluntarily provide:

• Total time-in-service of the airframe
• Any modifications of STC's on the airplane that could affect the evaluation of the issue
• Information detailing the environment in which the airplane is flown, with particular interest in severe or unusual usage.

(Source: FAA and ATSB. Image of accident airplane provided by the ATSB)

FMI: Airworthiness Concern Sheet
ATSB report