Hydraulic Power Pack/Landing Gear System

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FAA Aviation Safety SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SUBJ: Hydraulic Power Pack/Landing Gear System SAIB: CE-13-16 Date: February 8, 2013 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advises owners and operators of Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172RG, R182, TR182, FR182, 210N, T210N, 210R, T210R, P210N, P210R, and T303 airplanes, of an airworthiness concern, regarding landing gear hydraulic power pack systems.

At this time, the airworthiness concern is not considered an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Background

We are issuing this SAIB because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received a report of an accident involving a Cessna Aircraft Company Model 172RG airplane where a fire started in- flight on the cabin side of the firewall and rapidly accelerated. The fire originated from the area of the landing gear's hydraulic power pack system and resulted in a complete hull loss with reported injuries.

The investigation concluded that a potential ignition source may result from improper installation of the terminal lugs and improper installation of (or missing) terminal covers and associated wiring to the landing gear hydraulic power pack motor, which was not properly protected or adequately secured.

Cessna Aircraft Company concluded this particular Hydraulic Power Pack was used on several models of Cessna airplanes and has issued Service Letter MEL-29-01, dated July 14, 2012, for the applicable multi-engine aircraft; and Service Letter SEL-29-01, dated July 16, 2012, for the applicable single-engine aircraft. The service information describes procedures for inspection of the aircraft’s hydraulic power pack system for proper wire routing, protective cover, and hydraulic leaks, and if needed, installation of a protective cover and rerouting of wiring.

Recommendations

The FAA recommends that all owners and operators of the subject airplanes comply with the guidelines outlined in Cessna Aircraft Company Service Letter MEL-29-01, dated July 14, 2012; and Service Letter SEL-29-01, dated July 16, 2012, as applicable. For Further Information Contact Richard Rejniak, Aerospace Engineer, Electrical Systems and Avionics Branch, ACE-119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas, 67209; phone: (316) 946-4128; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: [email protected].

2 For Related Service Information Contact Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax: (316) 517-7271; Internet: http://www.cessna.com/customer-service/technical- publications.html.