SAIB ACE-99-25 —

No. ACE-99-25 June 29, 1999

Published by: FAA, AFS-610, P.O. Box 26460, Oklahoma City, OK 73125 SAIB’s are posted on the internet at http://av-info.faa.gov This is issued for informational purposes only and any recommendation for corrective action is not mandatory.

Introduction: The purpose of this Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is to inform registered owners of De Havilland DH 82A Tiger Moth aircraft of British Aerospace Technical News Sheet CT(MOTH) No. 34, Issue 1, which alerts the owners and operators of the aircraft of the possibility of inadvertently closing the fuel ON/OFF valve during flight operations, and provides a means to prevent such an occurrence.

Background: British Aerospace reports that during the investigation of a recent accident, the investigating authority recommended that provisions should be made to enable the positive locking of the fuel ON/OFF valve operating lever due to the possibility of the valve being unintentionally closed during flight operations. Consequently, British Aerospace conceded that under certain circumstances it is possible for the fuel valve operating lever to move away from the ON position and thus restrict fuel flow to the engine and distributed Technical News Sheet CT(MOTH) No. 34, Issue 1. The TNS provides a design, through Moth Modification 155, which the operator may use to fabricate and install a positive lock for the fuel valve control and requires the device to be installed at the next annual inspection or within the next 25 hours of operation, whichever occurs sooner.

Recommendation: The FAA is recommending, but not requiring, that owners/operators of De Havilland DH 82A Tiger Moth aircraft install the Mod 155 fuel valve positive locking device as presented by British Aerospace Technical News Sheet CT(MOTH) No. 34, Issue 1, dated March 1, 1999.

Copies of Technical News Sheet CT(Moth) No. 34, Issue 1 can be obtained from British Aerospace Military Aircraft and Aerostructures, Ltd., Chadderton Site, Greengate, Middleton, Manchester, M24 1SA, England. Technical Support may be obtained from the Engineering Support Manager, Telephone (44) 161-955-8789, or fax (44) 161-955-8798.

For Further Information Contact: FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Attention: Mr. Roger P. Chudy, ACE 112, 1201 Walnut, Suite 900, Kansas City, MO 64106, telephone: (816) 426-6934; fax: (816) 426-2169; email: roger.chudy.faa.gov