Service difficulty report · Screen · Bell 430

Difficulty date
April 27, 2011
Submitted
May 6, 2011
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N431SL
Make and model
Bell 430
Aircraft serial
49023
Part
Screen
Part number
222066624101
Condition
Failed
Location
Fuel System
Stage of operation
NR
How discovered
9
Nature of condition
O
Precautionary procedure
O

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

What was found

BROKEN FUEL SCREEN MOUNTING BRACKET, DISCOVERED BY INSP WHEN INSTALLING FUEL CELL, REF ITEM 66 OF FIG 28-1003, BHT 430-MM-4, PN 222-066-624-101. THE MOUNTING BRACKET IS 2 PART AND ATTACHED TO THE SCREEN HOUSING BY SPOT WELDING, THE SPOT WELDS ON THE SECOND PAR OF THE BRACKET APPEAR TO HAVE CRACKS IN THE AREA OF THE SPOT WELDS AS WELL. THIS BRACKET AND HOUSING HOLD THE ENGINE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE IN PLACE, COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BRACKET COULD ALLOW THE SUPPLY LINE INLET TO DRIFT UP IN THE FUEL CELL AND LEAD TO ENGINE FLAME OUT. PROBABLE CAUSE: DESIGN OR BAD WELD.

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