SAIB CE-05-77 —

CE-05-77 July 27, 2005

http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/ This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advises you, owners and operators of Cirrus Design Corporation (CDC) Model SR20 or SR22 airplanes, of possible loss of left or right braking.

Background

We have two known occurrences in 2005 of leaking hydraulic fluid from the right brake caliper. One airplane lost directional control and hit another airplane. In the other occurrence, the hydraulic fluid caught fire at the caliper causing significant fire damage.

Discussion

Examination of these brakes has shown discoloration of the calipers due to heat and hydraulic fluid leaks at the caliper piston. We believe the piston seal temperature was too hot. Helical propwash with a free castering nose wheel leads to occasional right braking during taxi for directional control. This may result in more heat and wear on the right pads than on the left, especially if you do not follow proper operating procedures such as use of rudder during taxi. Cirrus has issued Owner Service Advisory No. SA 05-04 dated June 30, 2005, (attached) which includes operating procedures to avoid brake damage or failure due to excessive heat and inspection procedures to detect damaged or severely worn brake components.

Recommendation

The current preflight walk-around in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook includes an inspection of the wheel and brakes for “Fluid Leaks, Condition, and Security”. We recommend the preflight walk-around include a close inspection of the ground and wheel fairing of each main gear for leaking hydraulic fluid (as stated in the service advisory).

For Further Information Contact

Wesley Rouse, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Chicago Aircraft Certification, 2300 E. Devon, Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: (847) 294- 8113; email: [email protected]

You Can Read the service advisory on line at www.cirrusdesign.com under “Service & Upgrades” – Service Publications”.