# SDR 2023FA0000339

- Type: Service difficulty report (as reported; unverified)
- Difficulty date: February 14, 2023
- Submitted: June 23, 2023
- Operation: General aviation
- Aircraft: [N28AU](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N28AU), registered now
- Make and model: Piper PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (OpenAirDocs)
- Aircraft serial: 2843781
- Aircraft time: 3,553 hours
- Engine: Lyc O360A4M
- Engine time: 1,022 hours
- Propeller: Snsnch 76E*
- System (JASC): [5530 · Vertical Stabilizer](https://openairdocs.org/jasc/5530)
- Part: Attach Bolt
- Part number: AN46A
- Condition: Loose
- Location: Zone 300
- Part time: 3,553 hours
- Stage of operation: IN
- How discovered: V
- Nature of condition: E
- Precautionary procedure: O
- FAA source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System (https://sdrs.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2023FA0000339

## Discrepancy

ALL 4 BOLTS HOLDING VERTICAL STABILIZER SPAR TO REAR BULKHEAD WERE LOOSE. I SAW BLACK ALUMINUM DUST AROUND THE LOWER TWO DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION. I REMOVED THE BOLTS AND DID NOT FIND SIGNIFICANT WEAR ON THE STRUCTURES. THE NUTS HAD TORQUE STRIPE ON THEM, COVERED IN PAINT FROM THE FACTORY. I TESTED THE TORQUE ON THE TOP TWO BOLTS BEFORE I REMOVED THEM. THEY STARTED MOVING AT 30IN/LBS, THE TORQUE CALLED FOR IN THE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL IS 100IN/LBS.

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