What was found
UPON REMOVAL OF RUDDER, THE UPPER ATTACH BOLT WAS FOUND SEVERELY WORN TO THE POINT FAILURE WAS INEVITABLE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED BEFORE ON A R-985 B-MODEL. THE SUSPECT CAUSE FOR THIS DEFECT WAS LACK OF PROPER INSPECTION. WITH PROPER INSPECTION AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, THIS DEFECT WOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM. SUBMITTER RECOMMENDS THAT EVERY 2,000 HOURS THE RUDDER ATTACH BOLTS BE REMOVED AND VISUALLY INSPECTED.