Service difficulty report · Bolt · Beech V35A

Difficulty date
August 6, 2026
Submitted
August 6, 2026
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N7203N
Make and model
Beech V35A
Aircraft serial
D8716
Aircraft time
5,218 hours
Engine
Cont IO550B
Engine time
58 hours
Part
Bolt
Part number
130909B103
Condition
Corroded
Location
Zone 500
Part time
5,218 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

PER BEECH SI 0572-031 AND BEECH SERVICE MANUAL, 35590096B, REISSUED: NOVEMBER 15, 1960; 35-590096B21, REVISED: AUGUST 29, 2003, PAGE 4-4M, THE WING BOLTS ARE TO BE MAGNETICALLY INSPECTED EVERY FIVE (5) YEARS AND REPLACED EVERY FIFTEEN (15) YEARS. SINCE MOST OF THE AIRCARFT ARE NOT INVOLVED IN A 14 CFR PART 135 OR 14 CFR PART 121 OPERATION, THE OWNERS IGNOR THIS REQUIREMENT. DURING AN ANNUAL INSPECTION CONDUCTED ON AUGUST 5-6, 2026, AT THE GATEWAY FLIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC HANGAR N3 LOCATED AT 1H0, IT WAS FOUND THAT APPROXIMATELY HALF (4) OF THE BOLTS SHOW SIGNS OF CORROSION. FURTHERMORE, NONE OF THESE BOLTS HAVE ANY EVIDENCE OF BEING TREATED WITH PAR-AL-KETONE PER THE AFOREMENTIONED BSI OR SM. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS ACFT WAS USED FOR CROSS COUNTRY RACING AND SINCE HAVE PERSONALLY FLOWN THIS AIRPLANE PRIOR TO OUR INSPECTION, BELIEVE THIS IS THE CASE. IN MY OPINION, THIS 5 YEAR INSPECTION AND 15 YEAR REPLACEMENT MUST BE MADE MANDATORY TO AVOID A WING SEPARATION RESULTING IN LOSS OF LIFE. PHOTOS AVAILABLE OF THESE BOLTS IN QUESTION AND INTEND TO PRESERVE THE EVIDENCE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.

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