SDR CA060227015

Service difficulty report · Mount · Piper PA12

Difficulty date: February 23, 2006
Submitted: June 6, 2006
Operation: General aviation
Make and model: Piper PA12
Aircraft time: 3,333 hours
Engine: Lyc O320A2B
Propeller: Mcauly 1A175GM
System (JASC): 5740 · Wing, Attach Fittings
Part: Mount
Condition: Failed
Location: Aft Flap Pulley
Stage of operation: CL
How discovered: O
Nature of condition: F
Precautionary procedure: O

As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.

What was found

FLAP PULLEY MOUNT INSTALLED IN AFT FUSELAGE CABIN AS PER STC SA578AL AT UNKNOWN TIME, FAILED IN FLIGHT. MOUNT WAS WELDED TO FUSELAGE BRACE TUBE 5/8".035 WALL. TUBING FATIGUED AROUND WELD AND PULLEY MOUNT SHIFTED CAUSING MISALIGNMENT OF PULLEY TO CABLE. THIS CAUSED THE PULLEY TO SUBSEQUENTLY FAIL ON CLIMB AND A LOSS OF "DOWN" FLAP CONTROL. THE TUBING AROUND THE WELD APPEARED WORKED DOWN TO .025" BY UNKNOWN PERSON WHO INSTALLED IT. AIRCRAFT LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT.

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