Engine Mount Section

FAA Aviation Safety SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: CE-11-32 SUBJ: Engine Mount Section Date: May 11, 2011 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) informs registered owners/operators of M7 Aerospace LP SA226-T, SA226-AT and SA226-TC model airplanes (under Type Certificate Data Sheets A5SW and A8SW) of an airworthiness concern. Specifically, this SAIB provides guidance on new procedures for inspection and modification of the left and right (LH/RH) engine mount lower truss assemblies for cracks.

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

Background

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently received reports of cracking in two engine mount lower truss assemblies P/N 27-62010 on M7 Aerospace LP model SA226 airplanes. The cracking was found adjacent to the weld affected zone where the main and lateral tubes intersect (see picture at end of this document).

In response, M7 Aerospace LP issued SA226 Series Service Bulletin (SB) 226-71-018 for SA226-T, Serial Numbers (S/N) T201-T291 (except T(B)276); SA226-AT, S/N AT001-AT074; and SA226- TC, S/N TC201-TC419 airplanes to inspect the LH/RH engine mount lower truss assemblies for cracks. SB 226-71-018 also instructs you to modify the truss assembly in accordance with SA226 Series SB 71-009 if not already accomplished. SB 226-71-018 instructs you to initially inspect within the next 800 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 12 months from the SB issue date, and to re- inspect every 12 months or 1,000 hours TIS following the initial inspection. Replace any engine mount truss assembly found cracked prior to continued flight.

Recommendations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends you inspect your M7 Aerospace LP model SA226 airplane engine mount lower truss assemblies, P/N 27-62010 at the time intervals and using the inspection procedures directed in SB 226-71-018, and to install the modification in SB 71-009 if not already accomplished. Replace any engine mount truss assembly found cracked during any inspection prior to continued flight.

For Further Information Contact

Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, 10100 Reunion Place, Ste. 650, San Antonio, TX 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370; e-mail: [email protected].

1

For Related Service Information Contact

M7 Aerospace, LP, 10823 N.E. Entrance, San Antonio, Texas, 78216; phone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 820-8609.

2