Stabilizers- Vertical Stabilizer on Piper PA-28, PA-32, PA-34 Forward Attach Point Corrosion

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FAA Aviation Safety SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: CE-11-14 SUBJ: Stabilizers- Vertical Stabilizer on Piper PA-28, PA-32, PA-34 Forward Attach Point Corrosion Date: January 5, 2011 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts you, owners and operators of all Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 models of potential corrosion on the vertical stabilizer forward attach point. This also provides our reminder to focus on the aircraft service manual (SM) as mitigating action.

At this time, this airworthiness concern has not been determined to be an unsafe condition that would warrant AD action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Background

Aircraft may develop corrosion during their lifetime. Some of the variables involved in the probability of corrosion development are:

 potential increases with calendar time / age  potential increases with incompatible materials (e.g., aluminum and steel)  potential increases in certain environments (e.g., high moisture or salt water)  potential decreases with adequate protective coatings (e.g., zinc chromate primer)  potential decreases with adequate inspection

This information is presented in response to service data showing corrosion on the vertical stabilizer forward attach point of Piper PA-28 and PA-34 aircraft. Affected part numbers are 62453-00 (steel fitting) and 62444-xx (aluminum bulkhead / frame assembly). There were four (4) occurrences found during routine maintenance over a 21-year period, with an average in-service time of 2,160 hours. Due to similarity of design, the PA-32 is also susceptible to this corrosion.

The service manuals for the PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 provide specific instructions (see sample excerpt below) targeting the problem area.

Service manual excerpt 1. Inspect vertical fin and rudder for surface damage or irregularities (i.e. - skin cracks, distortion, dents, corrosion, and excessive paint build up); structural defects (i.e. - loose or missing rivets); misrigging or structural imbalance; hinge damage, excessive wear, freedom of movement and proper lubrication; and attachment points for missing or worn hardware.

2. Inspect vertical fin attachments for security.

Recommendations

The FAA recommends that owners and operators increase their focus on the inspections provided in Piper’s service manual for the vertical stabilizer forward attach point. We strongly recommend

2 increased detail inspection for those aircraft at higher risk due to age, environment, lack of protective coatings, etc., discussed above.

If damage is found, a Malfunction / Defect Report or Service Difficulty Report (SDR) should be filed. The SDR system is available at http://av-info.faa.gov/sdrx/. There are currently no established allowable limits on the subject parts so repair or replacement will be necessary if damage is found.

For Further Information Contact

Gregory K. (“Keith”) Noles, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: [email protected]

For Related Service Information Contact

Piper Aircraft Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960; website: http://www.piper.com/