SAIB Addresses Optional Folding Wing Assembly

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) 2022-24 alerting owners, operators, maintenance technicians, and inspectors of an airworthiness concern regarding Seamax Aircraft LTDA’s (Seamax’s) Model M-22 light-sport airplanes which incorporate the optional folding wing assembly.

Specifically, subject SAIB provides procedures to inspect the aircraft’s wing strut attachment hardware for proper security.

At the time of this writing (27 December 2022), the airworthiness concern does not constitute an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39. However, the Seamax M-22 is a Light –Sport category aircraft. Ergo, were Seamax Aircraft LTDA to issue a Safety Directive pertaining to this matter, compliance with such would be mandatory per the operational limitations provided with the airworthiness certificate.

On 06 October 2022, a Seamax M-22 light-sport airplane, registration number N46PD, operated as a personal flight under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations was destroyed in an accident near East Hampton, New York. The private pilot at the aircraft’s controls was fatally injured.

As documented in NTSB preliminary report ERA23FA007, the aircraft’s right wing was separated from the main wreckage and located in a tree, and the right wing strut was separated from the right wing. The bolt attaching the right strut to the right wing remained attached to the right wing and was not fractured; however, the nut was not present. In addition, the bolt threads did not exhibit significant damage. The NTSB’s investigation of subject event is ongoing and a probable cause has not yet been determined.

Seamax has previously issued two Service Bulletins which provide instructions for inspecting the wing attachment areas. Seamax Service Bulletin SB_001_09 dated 03 February 2009 provides instructions for a one-time visual inspection on bottom wing strut fitting ends. Seamax Service Bulletin SB_001_20 dated 14 May 14 2020 provides instructions for a repetitive visual inspection of the stainless-steel connection of wing strut to fuselage to be performed during all preflight checks.

The FAA recommends owners and operators of Seamax M-22 light-sport airplanes which incorporate the folding wing optional assembly perform the actions of Seamax Service Bulletins SB_001_09 dated 03 February 2009 and SB_001_20 dated 14 May 2020. The FAA also recommends that owners and operators repetitively inspect the wing strut hinge points to ensure proper installation and attachment of the nuts prior to every flight.

For further information, please contact:

John Stoll, Light Sport Aircraft Program Manager, Production and Airworthiness Systems (AIR-632), FAA Policy and Innovation Division at John.Stoll@faa.gov

or—

Kristi Bradley, General Aviation Safety Coordinator, Fleet Safety Section (AIR-723), Compliance and Airworthiness Division at Kristin.Bradley@faa.gov

FMI: www.faa.gov