Rudder Pedals Became Detached On One Airplane

The FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) concerning a potential issue with rudder pedals on Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-602, AT-802, and AT802A airplanes (under Type Certificate Data Sheet A19SW).

The SAIB provides inspection procedures and on-condition maintenance actions for the rudder pedal attachment assembly for the affected airplanes.

Air Tractor, Inc. recently issued Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter (SL) #345 for all Air Tractor Models AT-602 and AT-802A airplanes after a rudder pedal became detached at the upper bracket where the pedal assembly mounts to the fuselage frame tube on a Model AT-802A airplane. SL #345 directs inspection of the welds securing the bushings that the assembly attach bolts are installed through.

In addition, Air Tractor previously released SL #329 for Air Tractor Model AT-602 airplanes, serial numbers 602-1206 through 602-1244; and Air Tractor Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes, serial numbers 802/802A-0438 through -0561 and -4012 through -4025; to inspect for cracks in the welds of the rudder pedal attach assembly plates. Cracks in the welds noted in SL #345 and SL #329 can lead to failure of the rudder pedal attachment and loss of control.

The FAA recommends inspecting the rudder pedal attach assembly on the applicable Models AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes using the procedures in SL #345 and SL #329.

(Source: FAA. Image from file)

FMI: SAIB