SAIB CE-00-13

SPECIAL

AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION

BULLETIN

REGULATORY SUPPORT DIVISION P.O. BOX 26460 OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73125-0460

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

No. CE-00-13 January 20, 2000

SAIB’s are posted on the internet at http://av-info.faa.gov This is issued for informational purposes only and any recommendation for corrective action is not mandatory.

Introduction The purpose of this Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is to provide safety information regarding inspection and maintenance of the PZL Mielec Model M-18, M18A and M-18B aircraft.

Background A PZL M-18A was conducting an agricultural aerial applicati on flight. During this flight the pilot initiated a typical pull-up to begin a turn. During the pull-up th e right wing separated at the center wing to outboard wing, main spar attachment fittings. The National Tr ansportation Safety Board's examination of the failed wing attachment fittings noted severe corrosion that caused fatigue, which weakened the fittings. In addition, examination of the left wing fittings, which did not fail on this flight, revealed the same severe corrosion with an existing fatigue crack. The crack had propagated about 75% th rough one of the fittings.

This aircraft was a 1993 model with about 4700 hours total airframe time.

Discussion The FAA is concerned that other PZL M-18 series aircraft may be flying with wing attachment fittings that may have corrosion leading to fatigue and ultimately wing separation. The FAA highly encourages you to examine these fittings in accordance with PZL M-18 service information. The service information calls for an inspection for any evidence of corrosion and rem oval of the corrosion using proper corrosion removal methods. Also, the service information specifies these fittings be inspected and tested for cracks using non-destructive test techniques.

PZL Mielec has issued service bulletins K/02.142/91 and E/02.152/94. These service bulletins reference the PZL M-18 service manual and provide instruction for the inspection of the wing attachment fittings. The FAA is considering issuing an Airworthiness Directive (AD) on all serial numbers of the PZL Mielec Models M-18, M-18A and M-18B requiring the inspection of wing attachment fitting part numbers D22.200.36.1, D22.200.35.1, D21.200.48.0 and D22.200.49.0 for corrosion a nd cracks. Credit could be given to those who have inspected these fittings in accordance with service bulletin K/02.142/91 should an AD be issued.

This information is provided to you for your in formation only. The service bulletins K/02.142/91 and E/02.152/94 may be obtained from your PZL Mielec dealer.

Further Information Contact:

Brian Hancock, Project Officer, FAA Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106;

telephone (816) 329-4143; facsimile (816) 329-4090.

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

Regulatory Support Division P.O. Box 26460 Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0460 AFS-610

Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300