Wing Spar Corrosion Prompts The Measure

The FAA has published a proposed AD in the Federal Register for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA–28–140, PA–28–150, PA–28–160, PA–28–180, PA–28–235, PA–32–260, and PA–32– 300 airplanes.

The proposed AD would require installing an inspection access panel in the lower wing skin near the left and the right main wing spars if not already there, inspecting the left and the right main wing spars for corrosion, and taking all necessary corrective actions.

The FAA has received two reports of significant corrosion found on the main wing spars of the airplanes covered by the AD. The corrosion was found during maintenance in an area that is not easily accessible for inspection. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could cause the main wing spar to fail. This failure could result in loss of control.

Piper Service Bulletin No. 1304, dated August 23, 2017 describes procedures for installing an inspection access panel in the lower wing skin near the left and the right main wing spars, if not already there, inspect for corrosion, and, if corrosion is found, taking all necessary corrective actions.

The FAA estimates that estimate that this proposed AD affects 11,476 airplanes of U.S. registry. The estimated cost of compliance is $170 per aircraft for the inspection, and $685 per airplane for parts and labor for the installation of the inspection access panel.

The proposed AD is open for comments until December 22, 2017.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-11-07/pdf/2017-24083.pdf