EASA SIB CE-17-08
Piper PA-23 Aeroplanes - Main Landing Gear Drag Link Bolt
Summary
The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: CE-17-08 is an informational bulletin regarding Piper Aircraft Inc. Models PA-23-150, PA-23-160, PA-23-235, and PA-23-250 airplanes. It addresses a potential airworthiness concern involving fatigue cracking and failure of the main landing gear drag link bolt, which could lead to main landing gear collapse.
What Changed
This bulletin introduces awareness of the fatigue cracking issue in the main landing gear drag link bolt for specified Piper PA-23 models. It recommends incorporating Piper Service Bulletin No. 1299 for periodic replacement of the bolt and inspection of mating bushings but does not mandate any regulatory action or airworthiness directive at this time.
Why It Matters
This information is important for aviation professionals because failure of the main landing gear drag link bolt can cause gear collapse during landing, posing safety risks. Operators and maintenance organizations need to monitor and address this potential issue to maintain aircraft safety and prevent costly incidents.
What To Do
Owners and operators of affected Piper PA-23 models should follow the recommendations in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1299 dated January 6, 2017, which calls for periodic replacement of the main landing gear drag link bolt and inspection of the mating bushings. There are no mandatory compliance deadlines specified in the bulletin.