EASA SIB CE-17-05: Piper PA-31 Floor-mounted Circuit Breaker (CB) Panel

What to do

Operators and maintenance personnel should inspect the wiring and hydraulic line separation below the floor-mounted circuit breaker panel at the next scheduled maintenance and annually thereafter. Any damaged wiring or terminals must be repaired or replaced, and wiring should be rerouted to maintain proper clearance per AC 43.13B guidance. Inspection results and photographs of any concerning conditions should be reported to the FAA contact provided.

Summary

The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: CE-17-05 is an FAA informational bulletin addressing an airworthiness concern for Piper Aircraft models PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31T3, and PA-31P-350. It highlights potential wiring issues at the floor-mounted circuit breaker panel area that could lead to chafing, thermal stress, or arcing, posing a fire risk. The bulletin provides guidance on inspection and maintenance practices to mitigate these risks.

What changed

This SAIB introduces awareness of wiring conditions beneath the floor-mounted circuit breaker panel that may cause electrical faults or fires in certain Piper PA-31 series aircraft. It recommends inspection procedures, repair actions, and wiring rerouting to prevent chafing and maintain proper clearance from hydraulic lines and aircraft structure. The bulletin does not mandate regulatory action but advises best practices and requests inspection feedback from operators.

Why it matters

This information is critical for aviation professionals responsible for the maintenance and safety of affected Piper PA-31 aircraft, as wiring faults in this area could lead to in-flight fires or system failures. Early detection and correction of wiring damage help prevent potentially catastrophic events and ensure continued airworthiness. Compliance with recommended inspections supports operational safety and regulatory readiness.