Service difficulty report · Torque Tube · Doug MD500N

Difficulty date
December 27, 2011
Submitted
February 17, 2012
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N103CG
Make and model
Doug MD500N
Aircraft serial
LN102
Engine
Allsn 250C20R2
Part
Torque Tube
Part number
369A7306505
Condition
Mismanufactured
Location
Collective
Part time
2,900 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 A 600 HR A/F INSPECTION, NOTICED 8 RIVETS SHOWING EVIDENCE OF LOOSENESS. THE AFFECTED RIVETS ARE LOCATED ON THE RT SIDE OF THE TORQUE TUBE AND GO AROUND. THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE COLLECTIVE TORQUE TUBE ASSY. AFTER MOVING THE PILOTS COLLECTIVE CONTROL STICK UP AND DOWN AND FEELING THE RIVETS MOVING, CALLED MFG AND SPOKE WITH TECH TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE SITUATION. IT APPEARED TO ME THAT THE PART WAS NOT ASSEMBLED AND RIVETED CORRECTLY FORM THE MFG. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE MALY BE A BATCH OF THESE INCORRECTLY RIVETED TORQUE TUBES ON OTHER NEW ACFT. THIS IS A PRIMARY FLIGHT CONTROL FOR THE ACFT.