AD NUMBER: PL2005-05-51
MANUFACTURER: Cessna
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive PL2005-05-51
SUMMARY: The FAA has received reports of and is analyzing data from cracks found in the wings of two Cessna Model 402C airplanes. On the first airplane, early information indicates the airplane had severe cracking on its left wing in the vicinity of the front spar and outboard engine beam. The lower spar cap had completely failed at about Wing Station (WS) 114. The airplane also had cracks in the lower wing skin and the web splice doubler. Also found were two popped rivets: one between the heat shield and the wing skin and another between the factory installed web splice doublers and web. The airplane had 20,355 total hours time-in-service (TIS).

During the airplane's most recent flights before the cracking was found, the pilot noticed progressive deterioration in roll trim. The flights required the pilot to use aileron trim for level flight to keep the wings level. The airplane landed safely and inspection revealed the cracks. On the second airplane, fatigue cracks were found at about WS 114 in the lower spar cap of another Model 402C airplane that had over 20,000 total hours TIS. Fatigue analysis shows that similar fatigue cracks could also develop in the wings of the Model 414A airplanes.

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