What was found
(BUNO 60846) DYE TESTING REVEALED A CRACK IN THE PILOT SIDE LEFT RUDDER PEDAL ASSEMBLY ARM. THE FAILED RUDDER PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS MAGNESIUM, BUT WAS REPLACED WITH AN ALUMINUM ASSEMBLY (SAME PART NUMBER). THE TESTING WAS PERFORMED AS PART OF A NAVY T-44A FLEET WIDE INSPECTION AFTER 4 RUDDER PEDALS FAILED DURING GROUND OPERATIONS IN A 3 MONTH PERIOD. THE CRACK FOUND ON THIS AIRCRAFT WAS ONE OF 16 DISCOVERED IN A FLEET OF 54 AIRCRAFT. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT LCDR KEITH KINTZLEY, VT-31 SAFETY OFFICER, (361) 961-3210, KEITH.KINTZLEY@NRS.NAVY.MIL OR GARY GOORIS, QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGE, (361) 961-3226, GARY.GOORIS@L-3COM.COM.((