Service difficulty report · Tube · Piper PA31350

Difficulty date
December 1, 2008
Submitted
February 2, 2009
Operation
General aviation
Make and model
Piper PA31350
Aircraft time
15,599 hours
Engine
Lyc LTIO540J2BD
System (JASC)
3245 · Tire Tube
Part
Tube
Condition
Failed
Location
Tire
Part time
391 hours
Stage of operation
LD
How discovered
O
Nature of condition
E
Precautionary procedure
O

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

What was found

(CAN) WHEN THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE NOSEWHEEL WAS FLAT. INSPECTION DID NOT REVEAL A DIRECT CAUSE FOR THE TUBE TO FAIL. THERE WERE SEVERAL SEVERE WEATHER CHECK CRACKS IN THE TUBE WHEN THE TIRE WAS DISASSEMBLED. THE COMPANY IS INSTALLING A PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTING NEW TUBES BEFORE INSTALL AS WELL AS PROPER WHEEL BUILD UP PROCEDURES. THE COMPANY IS ALSO IMPLEMENTING A 12 MONTH INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE NOSEWHEELS ON THE NAVAJO AIRCRAFT.

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