EASA SIB SAIB-2022-23
Incomplete Inspections during Overhaul by Stockton Propeller, Inc. (SPI)
Summary
The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: 2022-23 is an FAA advisory regarding incomplete inspections during overhaul performed by Stockton Propeller, Inc. (SPI) on certain Hartzell Propeller, McCauley Propeller, Sensenich Propellers, Hamilton Standard, and Hamilton Sundstrand model propellers. It informs owners and operators that the outboard section of airfoils on affected propellers processed by SPI between April 22, 2016, and April 22, 2022, may not have undergone required etch and dye penetrant inspections.
What Changed
This bulletin introduces awareness of incomplete inspections during propeller overhauls conducted by SPI within the specified timeframe. It does not mandate corrective action but recommends that affected propellers be inspected fully to ensure compliance with overhaul manual procedures. No airworthiness directive has been issued as no unsafe condition has been identified.
Why It Matters
This information is important for aviation professionals because incomplete inspections could potentially affect propeller integrity and safety, even though no failures have been reported to date. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams need to verify inspection history to maintain airworthiness and prevent possible future issues. It ensures that propellers meet required safety standards and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Owners and operators should review the SPI Blade Quality Escape letter dated June 8, 2022, to identify affected blades and check maintenance records for any subsequent full blade inspections after the last SPI overhaul. If no such inspection exists, they should return the propeller to SPI or a certificated entity for a full blade inspection as soon as possible. Any findings should be reported to Stockton Propeller, Inc. or the Oakland Flight Standards District Office, and negative inspection results should be submitted through normal service difficulty reporting channels.