SAIB CE-05-88 —

CE-05-88 September 30, 2005 http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/SAIB This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin advises you, registered owners and operators of Cirrus Design Corporation (CDC) SR20 or SR22 airplanes, of possible failure of the nose gear strut assembly. Failure of this assembly could result in separation of the nose wheel and fork from the strut after a hard landing.

Background

In April 2004, an accident occurred involving a CDC model SR22 causing loss of the nose wheel assembly upon landing. Cirrus determined that a fillet weld attaching the strut tube to the nose gear spindle had failed because of poor penetration. Investigation determined that the substandard weld was from only one vendor. The welding problem was corrected and Cirrus issued a mandatory Service Bulletin (SB) to replace the nose gear strut for affected SR22 aircraft. Since that time, Cirrus testing and a similar accident with a model SR20 on March 10, 2005, prompted Cirrus to issue a second mandatory service bulletin for affected SR20 aircraft. Recommendation

We recommend that you review the attached CDC mandatory service bulletins, SB 2X-32- 11, issued Aug 8, 2005 (for SR20s); and SB 2X-32-10 R1, issued Jun 28, 2005 (for SR22s) for serial number effectively. If your aircraft is affected, you should have the SB performed within the next 50 days.

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]