Structural Failure In A Wing Occurred During A Production Acceptance Flight Test

The FAA has issued an emergency AD (2010-26-53) for Cessna LC41-550FG and LC42-550FG (Corvalis) airplanes.

Cessna 400 Corvalis TT

The emergency AD was prompted by a Cessna Model LC41-550FG (400 Corvalis TT) that suffered a significant structural failure in the wing during a production acceptance flight test. The wing skin disbonded from the upper forward wing spar. The length of the disbond was approximately 7 feet. This condition, if not corrected, could result in catastrophic failure of the wing due to disbonding of the wing skin from the wing spar. The FAA says they are evaluating this situation and may take additional AD action as necessary.

The AD was issued after the FAA evaluated of all the relevant information, and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Note: A Cessna spokesman states that the Emergency AD covers only eight aircraft and none are flying in the field. Six are either Cessna demonstrators or undelivered, while the only aircraft delivered is being modified for flight to the Pacific Rim and is not flying, and the other is having its wing replaced due to damage sustained in a ground accident.

The AD requires owners to obtain written approval to operate the airplane from the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). This written approval must clearly state that operation is approved per Emergency AD 2010-26-53. The airplanes may not be operated without the written approval.

A special flight permit also requires written approval from the Manager, Wichita ACO, and it must clearly state that operation is approved per Emergency AD 2010-26-53.

FMI: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/4E1AE86FA2B07CD5862577F50076B24E?OpenDocument