AD 84-10-01 R1

Airworthiness directive · Bladder Fuel Cells · Cessna 180, 180A, 180B and 103 more

Effective
July 5, 1988
Models
180, 180A, 180B, 180C, 180D, 180E and 100 more
Registered aircraft
20,484 matched by model
Product
Aircraft · Small airplane
Amendment
39-5940

Unofficial copy of the text in the FAA’s Dynamic Regulatory System. The FAA’s own copy is the authoritative one. DRS record last changed May 30, 2024.

On this page

The airworthiness directive

84-10-01 R1 CESSNA: Amendment 39-4863 is further amended by Amendment 39-5940. Applies to the following series and serial numbered airplanes certificated in any category:

SERIES SERIAL NUMBERS 180 30000 thru 50911; 18050912 thru 18053000 (1953 thru 1978) 18053001 thru 18053203 (1979 thru 1981) (optional tanks only) 182 33000 thru 53007; 18253008 thru 18266590 (1956 thru 1978) R182 R18200001 thru R18200583 (1978) 185 185-0001 thru 18503683 (1961 thru 1978) 18503684 thru 18504414 (1979 thru 1983) (optional tanks only) 188 188-0446 thru 18803856 (1972 thru 1981) (wing tanks only) 18800967T thru 18803966T (1972 thru 1983) T188 T18803307T thru T18803966T (1979 thru 1983) 190/195 7001 thru 7999; 16000 thru 16183 210-5 (205) 205-0001 thru 205-0577 (1963 and 1964) 206, U206, TU206 206-0001 thru U20604649 (1964 thru 1978) P206, TP206 P206-0001 thru P20600647 (1965 thru 1970) 207, T207 20700001 thru 20700771 (1969 thru 1984) 210 57001 thru 57575; 21057576 thru 21058818 (1960 thru 1966) T210 T210-0001 thru T210-0197 (1966) A182 A182-0001 thru A182-0146 (1966 thru 1974) F182 F18200001 thru F18200094 (1976 thru 1978) FR182 FR18200001 thru FR18200020 (1978)

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless already accomplished:

To prevent power loss or engine stoppage due to water contamination of fuel system, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, on all applicable airplanes, install quick drains in the fuel tank sumps and fuel tank reservoirs where applicable, in accordance with the kits specified by Cessna Service Letters SE79-45 dated September 10, 1979, and SE84-8 dated March 16, 1984, or using equivalent aircraft standard hardware.

(b) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect the fuel tank filler area for proper sealing in accordance with the following:

(1) On all applicable airplanes:

(i) Visually inspect the wing aft of the fuel filler for indications of inflight fuel leakage.

(ii) Visually inspect the fuel cap locking mechanism and seals for cracking, distortion, and any condition which might prevent sealing.

(iii) Remove the fuel filler caps and inspect the adapter sealing face for distortion, scratches, corrosion or any condition which may prevent the cap from sealing.

(2) In addition, on all applicable airplanes except models 190 and 195 airplanes:

(i) Visually check the sealing and security of the attachment of the adapter flange to the adapter plate paying particular attention to the adhesive (if present) between the parts.

(ii) Check the fuel cap seal by actuating the locking tab and noting that force is maintained between the cap, seal, and adapter when the tab is in the overcenter locked position or conduct a fuel cap seal test in accordance with Cessna Single Engine Service Information Letter SE82-34 dated July23, 1982.

(3) Correct any deficiencies disclosed by the above inspections by parts replacement or adjustment, as required, before returning the airplane to service.

(c) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, on all applicable airplanes, except models 190 and 195, conduct an inspection for fuel tank wrinkles in accordance with the following:

(1) Drain the wing fuel tanks.

(2) Note any wrinkles which retain fluid after draining. Remove diagonal wrinkles across the inboard rear corner in the vicinity of the fuel tank drain by installation of Cessna drain kit described in Service Letter SE84-9 dated March 23, 1984, or by replacement of the fuel bladder. Verify that no wrinkles exist in the tank sump drain area before returning the airplane to service.

NOTE: The manufacturer has identified some new bladder cells which may require installation with a special adapter to prevent the formation of the above described wrinkles and has included this part with these bladder cells. Use of this part, or the drain kit, may be necessary to eliminate these wrinkles.

(3) If wrinkles are found in the tank bottom at a location other than diagonally across the inboard rear corner, determine the amount of fluid which is trapped by these wrinkles in accordance with the following:

(i) Place the airplane in the normal ground (water) attitude.

(ii) Service tank(s) with enough fuel to completely cover bottom of tank surface. Drain tank and note any wrinkles which retain fuel.

(iii) Direct all trapped fluid to the tank drain area, using a non-absorbent squeegee or other tool compatible with the fuel bladder, and drain and measure the fluid retained in both tanks.

(iv) If this total does not exceed three ounces, no further action is required.

(v) If the total quantity drained exceeds three ounces, check the snaps and fasteners for security. If necessary, blend and smooth the tankbottom to remove wrinkles. Blending may include replacement of the protective tape on the corners or edges to maintain a tank surface which will not trap excess fluid. Caution: Excessive blending or smoothing may cause leaks to develop in the tank.

(vi) If the tanks trap fluid in excess of three ounces after compliance with paragraph (v) above accomplish either paragraph (A) or paragraph (B) as follows:

(A) Fabricate using letters at least .10 inches in height, and install a placard in full view of the pilot which states as follows:

"Prior to flight following exposure to rain, sleet, snow, or after fueling from an unfiltered fuel source:

1. Drain and catch the contents of the fuel gascolator, wing, and (if equipped) reservoir tank sumps and check for water contamination.

2. Place the airplane on a level surface and lower the tail to within 5 inches of the ground (on nose gear airplanes).

3. Rock the wings 10 inches up and 10 inchesdown at least 12 times.

4. Drain and catch the contents of the fuel gascolator, wing, and (if equipped) reservoir tank sumps and check for water contamination.

5. If water is found in step 4 above, repeat steps 3 and 4 until no additional water is detected, or drain the entire airplane fuel system.

(B) Install reduced diameter (raised filler neck) fuel caps on all fuel filler openings in accordance with Cessna Service Kit SK182-85 dated September 10, 1984. If SK182-85 is accomplished, paragraph (d) below no longer applies.

(d) Within 12 months after initial compliance with this AD, and each 12 months thereafter, reinspect the fuel filler installation of airplanes that require the placard per paragraph (c)(3)(vi) in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.

(e) The placard required by paragraph (c)(3)(vi) may be fabricated and installed by the airplane owner, or operator, providing that this person possesses at least a private pilot license.

(f) Airplanes may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where this AD may be accomplished if it is determined that no water is present in the tank from which fuel will be used.

(g) An equivalent means of compliance with this AD may be used if approved by the Manager, Aircraft Certification Office, Federal Aviation Administration, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209. Fuel cells and quick drain valves that are approved for the applicable airplanes are approved as an equivalent means of compliance in replacement of corresponding parts required to be installed by this AD.

All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of the document(s) referred to herein upon request to Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer Service, P.O. Box 1521, Wichita, Kansas 67201; or may examine the document(s) referred to herein at the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

This amendment revises AD 84-10-01, Amendment 39-4863 (49 FR 21507, May 22, 1984), effective May 22, 1984.

This amendment, 39-5940, becomes effective on July 5, 1988.

Affected TCDS · 9

The type certificate data sheets for the models this AD names, matched by model and maker.

Registered aircraft · 20,484

Registered aircraft whose airframe or engine model this AD names. Matched by model only, so check each against the AD’s applicability.

By aircraft maker
  • Cessna20,134 aircraft
  • Textron347 aircraft
  • Cessna Wren3 aircraft
By year built
19182026
Registered aircraft by year built: 17,646 aircraft
19181
19421
19431
194724
194855
194964
195064
195140
195291
1953287
1954256
1955380
1956518
1957407
1958423
1959426
1960439
1961379
1962532
1963513
1964589
1965619
1966679
1967520
1968522
1969507
1970204
1971233
1972413
1973611
1974440
1975750
1976809
1977893
1978888
1979838
1980421
1981408
1982168
198395
198482
198598
198651
19881
19941
19962
199738
1998215
1999142
2000179
200189
200280
200384
2004146
2005174
200695
2007108
200860
200938
201054
201124
201245
20136
201528
201636
201726
201817
201921
202021
202129
202227
202333
202435
202533
202620

2,838 with no year recorded

By model

See all 109 models

Aircraft

See all 20,484 aircraft

NTSB investigations that cite this AD · 5

Their narratives or probable cause name AD 84-10-01, often to say whether the aircraft complied with it.

NTSB LAX97LA283Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 195 · Santa Ana, CAWater contamination in the fuel system due to the failure of the mechanic who performed the last annual inspection to adequately comply with the AD which required inspection of the fuel tank filler area for proper sealing, and the pilot's inadequate preflight…Aug 11, 1997 · N9328A · Substantial damageNTSB SEA95LA096Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Oroville, WAWater contamination in the fuel, and the pilot's inadequate preflight of the aircraft before flight. Factors related to the accident were: deteriorated seal(s) on the fuel tank cap(s), non-compliance with an airworthiness directive to prevent water leaking…May 9, 1995 · N1684R · Substantial damageNTSB BFO93LA044Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · Putnam, CTInadequate compliance with applicable air worthiness directives, leaky fuel cap seal, water contamination of the fuel, and wrinkles in the fuel tank bladders that interfered with the ability to drain water from the tanks.Mar 7, 1993 · N3035F · Substantial damageNTSB CHI87DEE01Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportCessna 182E · Plainfield, ILAccording to the pilot he performed a 'thorough' fuel system preflight by draining three clear fuel specimens from each wing and the belly drains. Shortly after takeoff the engine quit due to water contamination of the fuel system. Following the accident a…Oct 5, 1986 · N3205Y · Substantial damageNTSB SEA85LA066Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna TU206F · Seattle, WAThe acft landed short of rwy 13R at Boeing fld following a loss of pwr due to fuel exhaustion. The acft was topped off for a ttl of 108 gals of fuel before this third leg of a x-country flt. The plt stated that the eng ceased operating en route, however, pwr…Feb 24, 1985 · N1539U · Substantial damage