SDR 99ZZZX2569

Service difficulty report · Rib · Gulstm AA5A

Difficulty date
June 8, 1999
Submitted
March 26, 2000
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N26076
Make and model
Gulstm AA5A
Aircraft serial
AA5A0415
Part
Rib
Condition
Buckled
Location
Ws 66
Part time
4,247 hours
Component
5200004502
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

UPON OPENING LT WING FUEL TANK ACCESS PANELS FOR SEALANT INSPECTION, FOUND AFT PORTION OF THE WING RIB AT WS 66 BUCKLED. OWNER ADVISED THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE ACFT HAD TOLD HIM AT ONE TIME, UNKNOWN TO THE PILOT, THE LT FUEL TANK VENT HAD BECOME PLUGGED WITH AN INSECT NEST. DURING FLIGHT, THE PILOT NOTED THE SKIN ON THE FUEL TANK OF THE LT FUEL TANK WAS DISTORTED. AFTER LANDING, THE NEST WAS DISCOVERED AND CLEANED OUT. APPARENTLY NO FURTHER CHECK FOR INTERIOR DAMAGE WAS CONDUCTED. IT APPEARS THE ACFT HAS BEEN FLYING AROUND FOR AT LEAST 6-7 YEARS WITH THIS DAMAGED RIB.