EASA SIB CE-10-30: Piper PA-28R(T) and PA-44-180(T) - Nose Landing Gear Drag Link Bolt

What to do

Owners and operators of Piper PA-28R and PA-44-180 series airplanes should incorporate the procedures outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1156, dated April 7, 2005, which calls for periodic replacement of the nose gear drag link bolt. For aircraft experiencing higher than normal gear cycles, it is recommended to reduce the inspection and replacement interval to every 400 hours time in service. No mandatory compliance deadline is specified, but timely action is advised to mitigate risk.

Summary

The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: CE-10-30 addresses a potential airworthiness concern involving the nose landing gear drag link bolt on Piper PA-28R(T) and PA-44-180(T) aircraft models. The bulletin highlights the risk of nose gear collapse due to fatigue cracking of the drag link bolt, which has been observed in several Piper aircraft models. This information bulletin provides guidance to owners and operators to mitigate this issue but does not mandate regulatory action.

What changed

SAIB CE-10-30 introduces awareness of a nose gear drag link bolt failure risk caused by fatigue cracking in Piper PA-28R and PA-44-180 series airplanes. It recommends adherence to Piper Service Bulletin No. 1156 for periodic inspection and replacement of the affected bolt, with a suggested reduction in inspection intervals for aircraft with higher than normal gear cycles. This bulletin does not impose mandatory requirements but serves as an advisory to enhance safety.

Why it matters

This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because failure of the nose gear drag link bolt can lead to landing gear collapse, posing safety risks during landing operations. Operators, maintenance personnel, and compliance teams need to be aware of the increased inspection and replacement intervals to prevent such failures, especially in flight school environments with frequent gear cycles. Proactive maintenance based on this information can reduce accident risk and improve aircraft reliability.