# Service difficulty reports: Piper PA-31

A list on [Piper PA-31](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31.md).

Newest first. General aviation reporting is voluntary.

Page 1 of 11 · 517 reports

- [SDR 2026FA0000026](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2026FA0000026.md): Transmitter · defective · Jan 15, 2026 · N61490 · Piper PA31 · Fuel Pressure Indicating
  > PILOTS RETURNED FROM THEIR FLIGHT WITH A SQUAWK DETAILING THAT FUEL PRESSURE INDICATOR BEGAN DISPLAYING A NULL VALUE. THIS WAS DUE TO A PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE UMA FUEL PRESSURE SENDER, P/N T1EU100D, S/N B0197, IN THE RIGHT NACELLE. IT ONLY LASTED 103 HOURS O
- [SDR CA190711008](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA190711008.md): Lamp · failed · Jul 10, 2019 · Piper PA31 · Navigation System
  > (CAN) CAPTAIN SIDE EHSI PROJECTION LAMP FAILED IN FLIGHT, AFTER APPROXIMATELY 55 HOURS OF OPERATION SINCE NEW. FLIGHT CONTINUED WITH NO OTHER ISSUES, AND LAMP REPLACED AFTER LANDING. VENDOR NOTIFIED (TC# 20190711008)
- [SDR CA190801010](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA190801010.md): Strut · cracked · Jul 1, 2019 · Piper PA31 · Main Landing Gear Strut/Axle/Truck
  > (CAN) LEFT HAND MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUT COLLAPSED ON LANDING. FOLLOWING INSPECTION BY AN AME THE LANDING GEAR HOUSING WAS FOUND TO HAVE AN 8 INCH LONG CRACK THAT ALLOWED THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND NITROGEN TO LEAK OUT ON LANDING. THE LANDING GEAR HOUSING WAS REPL
- [SDR CA190627005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA190627005.md): Drive Shaft · leaking · Jun 20, 2019 · Piper PA31 · Engine Fuel Pump
  > (CAN) LEAKING FROM DRIVE SHAFT SEAL AND SHAFT WORN (TC# 20190627005)
- [SDR CA190222022](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA190222022.md): Pump · low pressure · Feb 19, 2019 · Piper PA31 · Engine Fuel Pump
  > (CAN) ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL PUMP P/N RG9080J4A/M S/N C-5717, FUEL PRESSURE LOW AT IDLE. (TC# 20190222022)
- [SDR CA151222005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA151222005.md): Gear · broken · Dec 21, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) ENGINE SURGED IN FLIGHT, CONTINUED TO DESTINATION. BOTH GEARS IN LT ENGINE, LT MAGNETO FOUND MISSING AND BROKEN TEETH. DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK AND GEAR ASSY PART K3823 FUNCTION CHECK ON GROUND, OK LATER FUNCTION CHECK ON GROUND, FAILED.
- [SDR CA150915004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150915004.md): Pump · failed · Sep 15, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Engine Fuel Pump
  > (CAN) WITH THE BOOSTER PUMP ON, THE ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL PUMP WAS FOUND INTERNALY LEAKING THROUGH THE PRESSURE REGULATOR DIAPHRAGM CHAMBER IN TO THE PUMP VENT LINE TO END UP IN THE INDUCTION SYSTEM. A NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED AND FOUND SERVICEABLE.
- [SDR CA150623003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150623003.md): Line · punctured · Jun 14, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Engine Oil Indicating System
  > (CAN) LT ENGINE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LINE PUNCTURE FROM CHAFING.
- [SDR CA150610004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150610004.md): Tire · blown · Jun 8, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Tire
  > (CAN) DURING THE ROLL OUT, IMMEDIATELY AFTER LANDING ON RUNWAY 30, LT MAIN TIRE BLEW. TAXIED ACFT CLEAR OF RUNWAY & SHUTDOWN ON A3 TAXIWAY. TOWED ACFT TO HANGAR.
- [SDR CA150704001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150704001.md): Engine · damaged · Jun 6, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Engine (Reciprocating)
  > (CAN) ENGINE RT, HIGH LEVELS OF ALUMINUM & MODERATE LEVELS OF CHROME STEEL WEAR SHOWING ON ENG OIL ANALYSIS TREND, MICRO TECH SYSTEMS LAB NUMBER UL4452 & VC5327. 1759.8 HRS TSOH, 107.2 MONTHS SOH. REMOVE RT ENG NR 4 & 6 CYLINDERS, ENG SN RL-9515-61A, TO INSP
- [SDR CA150608004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150608004.md): Distributor Blk · damaged · Jun 5, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) DEAD MAG AT RUN-UP. MAGNETO REMOVED, DISASSEMBLED, & INSPECTED. FOUND LATERAL MOVEMENT OF DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR, ROTOR POINT CONTACTING DISTRIBUTOR HOUSING POINTS. THE ROTOR GUIDE, METAL BUSHING IN THE PLASTIC DISTRIBUTOR HOUSING BODY THAT THE DISTRIBUTOR
- [SDR CA150527001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150527001.md): Plate · cracked · May 22, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Exhaust Turbocharger
  > (CAN) RIGHT ENG TURBO SUPPORT BRACKET CRACKED.
- [SDR CA141015003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA141015003.md): Motor · malfunctioned · Oct 4, 2014 · Piper PA31 · Trailing Edge Flap Control System
  > (CAN) MOTOR WAS IDENTIFIED AND CERTIFIED AS PN 1202-00-1 SN 4556,, FAILED SHORTLY AFTER INSTALLATION. MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN SETUP AT OVERHAUL AS A 12 VOLT UNIT PN 1202-20-1, BOTH PART NUMBERS WERE INDICATED ON UNIT? MOTOR FAILED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 45 COMPLETE
- [SDR CA140811006](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA140811006.md): Torque Link · broken · Aug 1, 2014 · Piper PA31 · Main Landing Gear
  > (CAN) TOP REAR ATTACH POINT ON TORQUE LINK BROKE ON LANDING.
- [SDR CA140703003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA140703003.md): Magneto · malfunctioned · Jul 1, 2014 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) ENGINE RUN-UP PRIOR TO FLIGHT WAS NORMAL. IN CLIMBOUT, LT ENGINE BEGAN SURGING. PILOT RETURNED TO BASE. ENGINE RUN-UP CARRIED OUT BY AMO INITIALLY SHOWED NORMAL. FURTHER TESTING AT HIGH POWER SHOWED SURGING. PROBLEM TRACED TO MAGNETO.
- [SDR CA141219002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA141219002.md): Combust Chamber · cracked · Mar 26, 2014 · Piper PA31 · Heating System
  > (CAN) THIS WAS DISCOVER DURING REGULAR 5 YEARS PRESSURE DECAY TEST OF THE HEATER, THE UNIT FAIL TEST. IT WAS REMOVED TO PERFORM ANOTHER TEST. THE LEAK SEEM FROM A CRACK IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN INNER & OUTER SECTION. THE FAIL UNIT WAS
- [SDR CA140124027](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA140124027.md): Stud · broken · Jan 23, 2014 · Piper PA31 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section
  > (CAN) THE NR 3 CYLINDER HOLD DOWN STUD AT 8 O`CLOCK POSITION WAS OBSERVED SHEARED OF AT THE BASE OF THE NUT DURING ROUTINE INSPECTION. ASSUMED MFG. PART REPLACEMENT OR ON CONDITION AT O/H IS UNKNOWN. APPROXIMATELY ENGINE TIME IS 1500 HOUR SINCE O/H.
- [SDR CA131120009](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA131120009.md): Control Cable · frayed · Oct 17, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Elevator Control System
  > (CAN) DURING A DETAILED CABIN INSPECTION, THE FORWARD UP ELEVATOR CABLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE ALL STRANDS SEPARATED FROM THE CORE OF THE CABLE. CABLE DEFORMITY WAS LOCATED WHERE THE CABLE GOES OVER THE BELLCRANK. CABLE REPLACED.
- [SDR CA131120010](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA131120010.md): Servo · malfunctioned · Oct 8, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Fuel Injector Nozzle
  > (CAN) RT ENGINE WOULD NOT PRODUCE MORE THAN 2000 RPM DURING RUN-UP. FUEL INJECTION SERVO REPLACED.
- [SDR CA130912002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130912002.md): Tailpipe · cracked · Sep 10, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Engine Collector/Tailpipe/Nozzle
  > (CAN) FOUND RT TOP TURBOCHARGER TAIL PIPE CRACKED.
- [SDR CA131021022](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA131021022.md): Motor · failed · Aug 22, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Trailing Edge Flap Control System
  > (CAN) FLAP MOTOR SHORTED INTERNALLY CAUSING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO TRIP. UPON REMOVAL FLAP MOTOR WAS FOUND TO HAVE GREASE ON THE EXTERIOR AND A BURNED ODOR WAS NOTED. FLAP MOTOR REPLACED.
- [SDR 9JNR20130832001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/9JNR20130832001.md): Points · misinstalled · Aug 15, 2013 · N811CB · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > INITIALLY INSPECTED AND TESTED MAGNETO PRIOR TO INSTALLATION, TESTS WERE SATISFACTORY. A GROUND RUN OF THE ENGINE AND MAGNETO OPERATION WAS ALSO SATISFACTORY. FAILURE OF MAGNETO OCCURRED APPROX 20 MINUTES INTO FLIGHT. ON INSPECTING THE MAGNETO AFTER REMOVAL
- [SDR CA130712005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130712005.md): Bracket · cracked · Jul 11, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Fuselage Main, Attach Fittings
  > (CAN) LEFT MLG DOOR ACTUATOR HOLDING BRACKET CRACKED.
- [SDR CA130712004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130712004.md): Bracket · cracked · Jul 11, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Fuselage Main, Attach Fittings
  > (CAN) LEFT MLG DOOR ACTUATOR HOLDING BRACKET CRACKED.
- [SDR CA130530005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130530005.md): Bolt · failed · May 16, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Wing Spar
  > (CAN) BOLTS ON SPAR WEB SPLICE PIPER P/N 40624-00 INSPECTED. TWO LOWEST BOLTS ON SPLICE ASSEMBLY BROKE WHEN TIGHTENED. BOLTS REPLACED. (TC# 20130530005)
- [SDR CA130528006](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130528006.md): Spar · cracked · May 16, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Wing Spar
  > (CAN) SEVERAL SMALL CRACKS (<1/2") AND ONE LARGE (1.5" APPROX) CRACK FOUND IN MAIN SPAR WEB. CRACKS ORIGINATE FROM RIVETS IN SPAR WEB AND SOME EXTEND TO BEHIND LOWER SPAR CAP. TWO BOLTS IN SPAR WEB JOINT FOUND SHEARED. AIRCRAFT REMOVED FROM SERVICE. OTHER AI
- [SDR CA130424001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130424001.md): Lifter · corroded · Apr 23, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > (CAN) FIVE LIFTERS FOUND PITTED AND 1 LOB OF THE CAM WORN.
- [SDR CA130419001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130419001.md): Exhaust Pipe · burned · Apr 17, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Engine Collector/Tailpipe/Nozzle
  > (CAN) DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, PROP BALANCING, THE AME NOTICED THAT THE UPPER EXHAUST TAIL PIPE ON THE RT ENGINE HAD A LARGE HOLE BURNED THRU. PIPE WAS REMOVED AND FOUND TO HAVE ERRODED FROM THE INSIDE AND HAD SEVERAL CRACKS. UPPER AND LOWER TAIL PIPE, PN
- [SDR CA130311022](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130311022.md): Downlock Switch · unknown · Mar 7, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Landing Gear Retraction/Extension System
  > (CAN) ON SELECTING GEAR DOWN FOR LANDING, LT MAIN GEAR DOWN SAFE GREEN LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. CONFIRMED LAMP OK. CYCLED GEAR, SAME RESULT. ON LANDING, LIGHT ILLUMINATED. INSPECTED, NO FAULT FOUND. SUSPECT DOWN LOCK SWITCH. SWITCHES REPLACED, BOTH SIDES.
- [SDR CA130306010](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130306010.md): Pump · malfunctioned · Mar 3, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Vacuum Distribution System
  > (CAN) LEFT VACUUM PUMP REPORTED INOPERATIVE BY PILOT. VACUMM PUMP REPLACED.
- [SDR CA130220011](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130220011.md): Trunnion · cracked · Feb 18, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Fuselage, Landing Gear Attach Fittings
  > (CAN) THE NOSE GEAR TRUNNION WAS CRACKED AT THE LIMIT STOPS FROM WHAT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN AN OVER STEER PROBLEM EITHER BY GROUND EQUIPMENT OR BY USING DIFFERENTIAL ENGINE POWER TO STEER PUTTING STRAIN ON THE TRUNNION STOPS.
- [SDR CA130108003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130108003.md): Bolt · sheared · Jan 5, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Landing Gear Retraction/Extension System
  > (CAN) LEFT MAIN GEAR SHIMMY FELT WHILE TAXIING, ACFT RETURNED TO RAMP AND FOUND THE LOWER BOLT ON TORQUE LINK ATTACH SHEARED, NO OTHER DAMAGE FOUND, GEAR INSPECTED FOR POSSIBLE SIDE LOADS, NO PROBLEMS FOUND.GEAR CYCLE FUNCTION TEST GOOD, TAXI TEST NO PROBLEMS
- [SDR CA130116013](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130116013.md): Bulkhead · cracked · Jan 2, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Rudder Control System
  > (CAN) CRACK FOUND ON PEDESTAL BULKHEAD BS 90.5. CRACK ON RUDDER PEDAL TORQUE TUBE ATTACH POINT. RUDDER TUBE MOVEMENT CAUSED RUDDER TENSION TO BE LESS AND RUDDER CABLES TO BE LOOSE. REPAIRED PEDESTAL BULKHEAD, PN: 43179-000.
- [SDR CA130104004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130104004.md): Rheostat · intermittent · Dec 31, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Cabin Temperature Control System
  > (CAN) AFTER INSTALLING A CABIN HEATER IN THE ACFT, WE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE OPERATION OF THE HEATER. WE INSTALLED A NEW LINEAR RHEOSTAT CONTROL, PN CD21399 WHICH CAME WITH THE HEATER. OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS WE HAVE HAD 3 FAILURES OF THE UNIT. IT APPEAR
- [SDR CA121211009](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA121211009.md): Control Cable · frayed · Dec 4, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Elevator Control System
  > (CAN) FWD ELEVATOR TRIM CABLE FRAYED SEVERAL PLACES AT TRIM SERVO PULLEY.
- [SDR CA121203013](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA121203013.md): Control Cable · binding · Dec 3, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Propeller Controlling System
  > (CAN) RIGHT PROP CONTROL STIFF TO OPERATE.
- [SDR 2012FA0000756](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2012FA0000756.md): Screen · obstructed · Nov 7, 2012 · N1157S · Piper PA31 · Reciprocating Engine Oil System
  > RIGHT ENGINE EXPERIENCED POWER LOSS AND ZERO OIL PRESSURE. PILOT FEATHERED AND SHUT DOWN ENGINE. AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOUND TO BE WORKING, (I.E. OIL PRESSUERE GAUGE) VISUAL INSPECTION OF OIL FILTER FOUND NOTHING. VISUAL INSPECTION OF SUMP SUCTION SCREEN FOUND A 9"
- [SDR CA120815009](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120815009.md): Magneto · leaking · Aug 4, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) MAGNETO FOUND LEAKING. MAGNETO REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120815008](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120815008.md): Motor · loose · Jul 20, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Engine Starter
  > (CAN) DURING DETAILED INSPECTION OF THE ACFT THE STARTER MOTOR WAS FOUND TO BE LOOSE. STARTER REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120717002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120717002.md): Oil System · low pressure · Jul 10, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Engine Oil Pressure
  > (CAN) PILOT REPORTED LOSS OF ENGINE MAIN OIL PRESSURE IN CRUISE FROM PORT MORESBY TO MT HAGEN. LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE WAS MATCHED WITH LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT. ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND SECURED. UNEVENTFUL SINGLE ENGINE LANDING PERFORMED. TROUBLESHOOTING ONGOING.
- [SDR CA120706002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120706002.md): Bulkhead · cracked · Jul 4, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Propeller Spinner Section
  > (CAN) DURING 100 HRS INSPECTION LT SPINNER BACK PLATE FOUND CRACKED.
- [SDR CA120719008](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120719008.md): Rod End · failed · Jun 21, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Nose/Tail Landing Gear
  > (CAN) NLG COLLAPSED DURING ROLLOUT AFTER LANDING. NO INDICATION OF PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER TOUCHDOWN. ROD ASSEMBLY, LANDING GEAR LOCK, NOSE, PN 41949-00, WAS FOUND FRACTURED AT ROD END. TSB ASSESSED CONDITION AS "CONSISTENT WITH FAILURE IN OVERLOAD". UNABLE TO
- [SDR CA120514006](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120514006.md): Attach Fitting · cracked · May 14, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Landing Gear Actuator
  > (CAN) AIRCRAFT WAS IN FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE TO ADDRESS SL1088 THE 500 HR INSPECTION OF NLG LINK. LINK WAS REMOVED FROM ACFT, PAINT STRIPPED AND INSPECTED WITH A 10X POWER MAGNIFYING GLASS. A POSSIBLE CRACK WAS NOTICED, FURTHER INVESTIGATION CONFIRMED THE
- [SDR CA120511005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120511005.md): Mount · broken · May 10, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Exhaust Turbocharger
  > (CAN) TURBO MOUNT LT UPPER TUBE FWD OF TURBO ATTACHMENT FOUND BROKEN DURING REGULAR INSPECTION.
- [SDR CA120517002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120517002.md): Magneto · malfunctioned · Apr 29, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) PILOT REPORTED A 200 RPM DROP DURING MAG CHECK OF RT MAGNETO ON RT ENGINE. MAGNETO REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120509010](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120509010.md): Wastegate Valve · leaking · Apr 17, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Water and Waste System
  > (CAN) WASTEGATE FOUND LEAKING. WASTEGATE REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120423020](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120423020.md): Starter · slipped · Apr 10, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Engine Starter
  > (CAN) LEFT ENGINE STARTER SLIPPING. STARTER REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120423015](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120423015.md): Fuel Control · malfunctioned · Mar 6, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating Engines
  > (CAN) PILOT REPORTED RT ENGINE ROUGH AT IDLE, RPM OSCILLATIONS FROM 800 TO 1200, MANIFOLD PRESSURE HIGHER THAN NORMAL BY 3-5". FUEL SERVO REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120516005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120516005.md): Tire · failed · Feb 27, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Tire
  > (CAN) GETTING RECURRING NOSE TIRE FLAT. AFTER CHANGING TIRE AND TUBE BRAND, DIDIN`T HAVE OTHER RECURRENCE.
- [SDR CA120423018](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120423018.md): Magneto · failed · Feb 24, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) PILOT REPORTED RIGHT ENGINE RT MAGNETO UNSERVICEABLE. MAGNETO REPLACED.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31/reports.md?page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT sdr_id, difficulty_date, n_number, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, part_name, part_condition, jasc_code, discrepancy
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_service_difficulty_report.parquet'
WHERE aircraft_model_key = 'PA31'
ORDER BY difficulty_date DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31/reports

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