EASA SIB SAIB-2026-08: Main Landing Gear - Wipaire Model 3000A and 3450A Wipline amphibian floats

What to do

Owners and operators of the affected Textron Aviation and Maule aircraft equipped with Wipaire Model 3000A and 3450A floats should follow the instructions in Wipaire Service Letter 274, Revision B, dated January 15, 2026. This includes installing the retainer kit to secure the key in the main landing gear actuator. There is no mandatory compliance deadline, but timely action is recommended to ensure continued safe operation.

Summary

The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: 2026-08 addresses a safety concern involving the main landing gear actuators on Textron Aviation Model 180, 182, 185, and 206 airplanes, as well as Maule Models M-6-235, M-7-260, M-7-260C, MT-7-260, M-7-235, M-7-235B, M-7-235C, MT-7-235, M-7-420A, M-7-420AC, MX-7-235, and MT-7-420 equipped with Wipaire Model 3000A and 3450A Wipline amphibian floats. The bulletin highlights a potential issue with a loose key in the main landing gear actuator that could prevent proper cycling of the main landing gear. This information bulletin is advisory and does not mandate regulatory action.

What changed

This bulletin introduces awareness of a potential loose key issue in the rotary-style main landing gear actuators, part numbers 1005271 or 1012500, installed on Wipaire Model 3000A and 3450A amphibian floats. Wipaire has issued Service Letter 274, Revision B, which provides a retainer kit to secure the key and prevent actuator disengagement. The FAA recommends compliance with this service letter to mitigate the identified risk.

Why it matters

This issue could affect the reliability of the main landing gear operation, potentially preventing the gear from fully extending or retracting, which is critical for safe amphibious operations. Operators and maintenance personnel need to be aware of this condition to avoid unexpected landing gear malfunctions and possible damage to adjacent components. Addressing this concern proactively helps maintain aircraft safety and operational readiness.