Service difficulty report · Spar Cap · Wsk M18A

Difficulty date
January 30, 2001
Submitted
March 26, 2001
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N51809
Make and model
Wsk M18A
Aircraft serial
1Z00915
Engine
Wsk ASZ62IRM18
System (JASC)
5711 · Wing Spar
Part
Spar Cap
Part number
D21200380
Condition
Cracked
Location
Wing Center Box
Part time
4,229 hours
Stage of operation
IN
How discovered
V
Nature of condition
O
Precautionary procedure
K

As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.

What was found

DURING REPAIRS OF THE WING CENTER SECTION FOR CORROSION DAMAGE TO THE TRAILING EDGE SECTION OF THE WING AND DURING HIDDEN DAMAGE INSPECTION, FOUND .1250 INCH DEEP CRACK IN THE FORWARD LOWER SPAR CAP. THE CRACK RAN APPROX 24 INCHES INBOARD IN A SPANWISE DIRECTION FROM THE LEFT LOWER WING ATTACH FITTING. CRACK PASSED THROUGH 2 BOLT HOLES IN THE SPAR THAT ATTACH THE LOWER WING ATTACH FITTING. CRACK IN SPAR CAP WAS CONFIRMED BY NDI INSP USING EDDIE CURRENT, AND DYE PENETRANT METHODS. LOWER SPAR CAP WAS REPLACED WITH NEW PZL PART AND WING CENTER SECTION WAS RETURNED TO SERVICE. RECOMMEDN A CLOSE INSPECTIONOF ALL WING ATTACH FITTINGS AND SPAR CAPS DURING ANY INSPECTION ON THIS AC.

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