Wing Leading Edge Hinge-Pin Corrosion

1 FAA Aviation Safety SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SUBJ: Wing Leading Edge Hinge-Pin Corrosion SAIB: CE-15-22 Date: September 15, 2015 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) informs owners, operators, and maintenance personnel of Beechcraft Corporation (Beechcraft) Debonair, Bonanza, and Baron Series airplanes, of an airworthiness concern, specifically the potential for corrosion on the wing leading edge hinge-pin. Based on information gathered to date, the corrosion appears to be caused by deicing fluid accumulating in the area of the wing leading edge hinge pin. Specific models are 35-33, 35- A33, 35-B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, E33, E33A, F33, F33A, G33, 36, A36, G36, A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35 and V35B B55, C55, D55, E55 and 58 airplanes.

At this time, it has been determined that the airworthiness concern is not 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 FAA (Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO)) investigated two reports of an extensive corrosion problem along the front spar leading edge lower hinge-pin attachment on two Beechcraft Model G36 airplanes.

The Beechcraft Model G36 design allows for the installation of either a corrosion resistant steel hinge pin or an alternative high carbon steel hinge pin. The two Beechcraft Model G36 airplanes, which were the subject of the original reports, both used the alternative high carbon steel material. Following the original report, 10 other aircraft have been discovered to have similar corrosion issues. Multiple Beechcraft Bonanzas and Barons have been affected.

Recommendations

We recommend that the front spar leading edge lower hinge-pin area be inspected for corrosion on all Debonair, Bonanza, and Baron Series airplanes with the described configuration. This inspection may be done during regularly scheduled yearly inspections.

During the annual inspection, we recommend you view the lower hinge and pin while the under wing access panels have been removed. If corrosion is found, you should contact Beechcraft Customer Support at 1-800-429-5372 or 316-676-3140 for further instruction. See figure 1 for inspection location.

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Figure 1: Inspection location

For Further Information Contact

Mark Watson, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209, telephone: (316) 946-4155, fax: (316) 946-4129, e-mail: [email protected].