Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin Directed To Owners Of Debonair, Baron, Bonanza Airplanes

The FAA has issued an SAIB (Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin) to inform owners, operators, and maintenance personnel of Beechcraft Corporation (Beechcraft) Debonair, Bonanza, and Baron Series airplanes, of an airworthiness concern.

The FAA has identified the potential for corrosion on the wing leading edge hinge-pin. Based on information gathered to date, the corrosion appears to be caused by deicing fluid accumulating in the area of the wing leading edge hinge pin. Specific models are 35-33, 35-A33, 35-B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, E33, E33A, F33, F33A, G33, 36, A36, G36, A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35 and V35B B55, C55, D55, E55 and 58 airplanes.

The FAA (Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO)) investigated two reports of an extensive corrosion problem along the front spar leading edge lower hinge-pin attachment on two Beechcraft Model G36 airplanes.

The Beechcraft Model G36 design allows for the installation of either a corrosion resistant steel hinge pin or an alternative high carbon steel hinge pin. The two Beechcraft Model G36 airplanes, which were the subject of the original reports, both used the alternative high carbon steel material. Following the original report, 10 other aircraft have been discovered to have similar corrosion issues. Multiple Beechcraft Bonanzas and Barons have been affected.

The FAA recommends that the front spar leading edge lower hinge-pin area be inspected for corrosion on all Debonair, Bonanza, and Baron Series airplanes with the described configuration. This inspection may be done during regularly scheduled yearly inspections.

During the annual inspection, the lower hinge and pin should be viewed while the under wing access panels have been removed. If corrosion is found, you should contact Beechcraft Customer Support at 1-800-429-5372 or 316-676-3140 for further instruction.

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FMI: SAIB