# SDR 2026FA0000049

- Type: Service difficulty report (as reported; unverified)
- Difficulty date: January 21, 2026
- Submitted: January 21, 2026
- Operation: General aviation
- Aircraft: [N961LC](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N961LC), registered now
- Make and model: Cessna 172D
- Registry model: [Cessna 172D](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172d) (OpenAirDocs)
- Aircraft serial: 17250480
- Aircraft time: 3,521 hours
- System (JASC): [2730 · Elevator Control System](https://openairdocs.org/jasc/2730)
- Part: Bracket
- Part number: 05320061
- Condition: Dented
- Location: Zone 300
- Part time: 3,521 hours
- Stage of operation: EX
- How discovered: V
- Nature of condition: F
- Precautionary procedure: O
- FAA source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System (https://sdrs.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2026FA0000049

## Discrepancy

ELEVATOR STOP BOLT BRACKET COMPROMISED DUE TO EXCESSIVE FORCE / WIND DAMAGE, CAUSING THE LOWER ELEVATOR STOP BOLT TO BREAK THE NUT PLATE AND INDENT THE BRACKET REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. THIS FAILURE CAUSES THE AIRCRAFT ELEVATOR TO TRAVEL BEYOND THE ALLOWABLE LIMITS CAUSING AN UNSAFE FLIGHT CONDITION AND FOR THE AIRCRAFT TO BECOME UN-AIRWORTHY AS IT NO LONGER CONFORMS TO THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TCDS. IT ALSO ALLOWS THE FLIGHT CONTROL CABLE TO LOOSE PROPER TENSION AND RUB ON STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS IN THE AIRCRAFT CAUSING WEAR TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE AIRCRAFT AND DIMINISHED INTEGRITY OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL CABLE.

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