SAIB CE-05-56

SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION BULLETIN

Aircraft Certification Service Washington, DC

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

CE-05-56 June 2, 2005 http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/ This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin advises you, owners and operators of Piper Aircraft Inc., The New and Tiger Aircraft LLC (American General) aircraft models (see table 1) modified with TCB Composites, Inc. composite spinner bulkheads of a potential safety problem.

Table 1 Models TC Number STC Number Piper Aircraft, Inc., The New PA-28-140, -150, -151,-160, -161, -180, -181 2A13 SA00178AT PA-38-112 A18SO SA00717AT PA-23-250;

PA-39 1A10 SA00733AT PA-30 A1EA SA00735AT PA-34-200T A7SO SA00821AT PA-28-180, -181 2A13 SA00945AT PA-24-260;

PA-28RT-201;

PA-32-260, -300, -301;

PA-32R-300;

PA-36-300 A3SO SA00954AT PA-28-235;

PA-28R-180, -200 2A13 SA00955AT Tiger Aircraft LLC (American General) AA-5B, AG-5B A16EA SA01284AT AA-5 A16EA SA01852AT

Background

We have received information that galvanic corrosion may develop between the composite spinner bulkhead and the propeller hub. This corrosion may lead to propeller hub stress fractures and/or loss of torque preload of the propeller hub bolts.

Further, the composite material of the spinner bulkhead underneath the propeller hub bolts may experience visco-elastic creep or crush, which could result in loss of torque preload on the propeller hub bolts.

Recommendation

We recommend that you do the following:

• Check preload torque setting of propeller hub bolts to be within manufacturer specifications.

• Remove and inspect composite bulkheads for evidence of corrosion on mating metallic surfaces.

• Inspect composite bulkhead underneath the propeller hub bolts for indentation or cracks and inspect propeller hub bolt washers for evidence of deformation.

• If you find any abnormal conditions, contact TCB Composites to determine corrective action.

2 You can contact TCB Composites at

3811 S. Airport Road, Building 850, Ogden, UT 84405, phone (801) 392-3400.

For Further Information Contact

Kreg Voorhies, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Denver Aircraft Certification Office (ANM- 100D), 26805 E. 68th Avenue, Room 214, Denver, CO 80249; phone: (303) 342-1092; fax

(303) 342-1088; email: kreg.voorhies@faa.gov.