SAIB 2026-08

FAA Aviation Safety

SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION BULLETIN SUBJ: Floats SAIB: 2026-08 Date: March 24, 2026 This is information only. Recommendation isn’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin advises owners and operators of a safety concern with Textron Aviation Model 180, 182, 185, and 206 airplanes and Maule Model 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 airplanes equipped with Wipaire Model 3000A and 3450A Wipline amphibian floats installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA01320CH, SA01156CH, SA01272CH, SA01185CH, or SA01412CH or installed as part of the type design of Type Certificate 3A23. Specifically, there is the potential of a loose key in the main landing gear actuator that may prevent cycling of the main landing gear.

At this time, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Background

Wipaire discovered a loose key within a main landing gear actuator during the manufacture of a Model 3000A float. Upon further investigation, Wipaire determined that the tolerance stack-up between the key and the landing gear linkage could allow the key to slip from the keyway, which could cause the actuator to disengage from the linkage and result in damage to nearby components. The central rotating shaft within these rotary actuators is splined into the landing gear linkage with a square key. A loose key may affect the cycling of the main landing gear or prevent the main landing gear from locking in the full-down or full-up position. There have been no reports of loose keys in service.

Wipaire determined that this issue affects Wipline Model 3000A and 3450A amphibian floats equipped with rotary-style main gear actuators, part number 1005271 or 1012500.

In response, Wipaire issued Service Letter 274, Revision B, dated January 15, 2026, which introduced a retainer kit to secure the key in the actuator.

Recommendation

The FAA recommends all owners and operators perform the actions specified in Wipaire Service Letter 274, Revision B, dated January 15, 2026.

For Further Information Contact

Olivia Rasmussen, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018;

phone: (847) 294-7117; email: ccb-cos@faa.gov.

For Related Service Information Contact

Wipaire Inc., 1700 Henry Avenue, South St. Paul, MN 55076;

phone: (651) 451-1205; email: info@wipaire.com; website: wipaire.com.