EASA SIB 2013-17
Cessna U206F Aeroplanes — Elevator Trim Tab Actuator Corrosion
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin SIB No: 2013-17 addresses corrosion concerns in the elevator trim tab actuator of Cessna U206F aeroplanes. The bulletin references Transport Canada Civil Aviation Safety Alert CASA 2011-06 and Cessna Single-Engine Service Letter SE73-25, highlighting a safety issue involving the failure of the threaded rod end of the elevator trim tab actuator leading to elevator jamming and tailplane damage. This information bulletin is intended to inform owners, operators, and maintainers of affected aircraft registered in EASA Member States.
What Changed
This SIB introduces awareness of a potential corrosion-related failure in the elevator trim tab actuator assembly of Cessna U206F aeroplanes. It concurs with Transport Canada's recommendations but does not mandate Airworthiness Directive action under EU regulations. The bulletin emphasizes inspection, maintenance, and lubrication practices as outlined in referenced documents.
Why It Matters
The corrosion-induced failure of the elevator trim tab actuator can cause elevator jamming and severe tailplane damage, posing a significant safety risk during flight. Aviation professionals, including operators and maintenance organizations, need to be aware of this issue to prevent in-flight control problems and ensure continued airworthiness. Understanding and following recommended inspection and maintenance procedures helps mitigate the risk of actuator failure.
What To Do
Owners, operators, and maintainers of Cessna U206F aeroplanes should review and follow the recommendations in Transport Canada CASA 2011-06 and Cessna Single-Engine Service Letter SE73-25 regarding inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of elevator trim tab actuators. Regular inspections every 50 flight hours and scheduled overhauls every 1000 hours or 3 years should be adhered to. No mandatory compliance deadline is specified, but proactive maintenance is advised.