Bell Crank Support Attach Plate Weld Failed On One AT-802 Airplane

The FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) concerning a potential issue with flight controls on Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes.

According to the SAIB, Air Tractor, Inc. recently issued Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter (SL) #366 for Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes. The SL was issued after in-flight failure of the aileron bell crank attach plates due to an incomplete weld on a Model AT-802 airplane.

Failure of the welds mounting the attach plate to the bell crank support led to loss of control of the aileron. The SL provides owners and operators instructions for inspecting welds attaching the right and left wing aileron bell crank attach plates and requires contacting the Air Tractor Customer Service Department using the contact information provided in the event suspect welds are found.

The FAA recommends affected Air Tractor, Inc. airplane owners inspect their aileron bell crank attach plates to the bell crank support assembly using the procedures in SL #366 and report any suspect welds to the Air Tractor Service Department.

(Image from file)

FMI: SAIB