SAIB CE-04-54 —

1 SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN

Aircraft Certification Service Washington, DC

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

CE-04-54 February 26, 2004 www.faa.gov/certification/aircraft This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin advises you, owners and operators of Tiger Aircraft LLC (American General) AG-5B aircraft, of throttle cable failure. Tiger has revised their Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), dated September 2003. They have included a recommendation that operators replace the throttle cable at each engine overhaul or when the rubber grommet dust cover (Figure 1) shows signs of deterioration (cracking or dry rot). Failure to replace the throttle cable could lead to loss of engine power.

Background

Tiger Aircraft revised the AMM and added the throttle cable replacement recommendation based on reports of throttle cable failure and binding. During inspection of failed throttle cables they noted that the sleeve on the engine compartment side of the cable had pulled loose at the swivel point of the cable. The subject sleeve is flared on one end and fits into a mechanical collar, which is swaged onto the end fitting of the cable (Figure 2). A rubber grommet covers this area to prevent contamination from dust, dirt, and other foreign matter. This rubber grommet may deteriorate over time and allow contaminants to enter the area. This condition could promote wear leading to eventual failure of the throttle cable.

Figure 1 Rubber Grommet Dust Cover – Installation

Figure 2 Cross Section of Swivel (grommet not shown)

2 Recommendations

We highly recommend that:

• During each scheduled check of the throttle operation, you should inspect the rubber grommets for deterioration. The throttle cable is equipped with 2 rubber grommets on its engine compartment end. If deterioration is evident, you should replace the throttle cable.

• You should replace the throttle cable at engine overhaul regardless of grommet condition.

Note: The above recommendations are incorporated in the Tiger AG-5B Aircraft Maintenance Manual, dated September 2003.

• You should report any throttle cable damage to both Tiger Aircraft LLC as well as your local Flight Standards District Office for inclusion into the Service Difficulty Reporting Database.

For Further Information Contact

Sarbhpreet S. Sawhney, Aerospace Engineer, FAA NYACO, ANE-172, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7340; fax: (516) 794-5531; email: [email protected]

John Rock, Chief Engineer, Tiger Aircraft LLC; 226 Pilot Way, Martinsburg WV 25401; phone: (304) 260-4513.