SAIB CE-04-02

No. CE-04-02 October 7,2003 We post SAIBs on the internet at www.airweb.faa.gov This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.

Introduction This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts owners and operators of Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) model 390 airplanes, that on September 18 2003, MPC Products notified RAC that they built and supplied flap actuators for use on the Model 390s using a process that was not specified by the part drawings. The FAA has determined that these are non-conforming parts and has quarantined all spare parts. RAC is working with the supplier to develop new parts and processes to produce approved actuators.

Background Investigation of the non-conforming parts revealed that they were fabricated from a material that may be subject to brittle failures at cold temperatures. Structural failure of the actuator(s) could lead to a flap asymmetry and subsequent loss of control. RAC is issuing a Temporary Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Change (390-590001-0003BTC6) to alleviate the potential loss of control if an actuator fails. To date there have been no structural failures of any flap actuator parts, but parts on other aircraft that were made from similar materials have failed.

Information The FAA recommends use of Temporary Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Change (390-590001- 0003BTC6) until conforming replacement parts are available. Aircraft that have flap actuator failures for any reason will be grounded until conforming parts are available.

For Further Information Contact David L. Ostrodka, Senior Aerospace Engineer,FAA Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, ACE-118W, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4129; fax: (316) 946-4107; e-mail: [email protected].