SDR 97ZZZX3382

Service difficulty report · Torque Tube · Piper PA31T1

Difficulty date
July 7, 1997
Submitted
March 26, 2000
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N27BF
Make and model
Piper PA31T1
Aircraft serial
31T8104038
Part
Torque Tube
Part number
40040007
Condition
Rusted
Location
Rudder
Part time
6,432 hours
Stage of operation
IN
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 100-HOUR INSPECTION, A RIVET WAS FOUND MISSING ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RUDDER WHERE THE TORQUE TUBE IS RIVETED TO THE BOTTOM RIB. CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALED HOLE WAS CORRODED. DRILLED AND PEELED BACK SKIN. FOUND STEEL TORQUE TUBE RUSTED AND BOTTOM RIB HEAVILY CORRODED. REMOVED AND REPLACED AFFECTED PARTS WITH NEW. SUBMITTER STATED PROBLEM COULD BE CAUSED BY PLUGGED DRAIN HOLES OR DISSIMILAR METALS. RECOMMEND CLOSE INSPECTION OF THIS AREA AND TO ENSURE DRAIN HOLES ARE CLEAR.

More about the Piper PA-31T1