# SDR FQAR20150923096

- Type: Service difficulty report (as reported; unverified)
- Difficulty date: September 23, 2015
- Submitted: September 23, 2015
- Operation: General aviation
- Aircraft: [N316PA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N316PA), registered now
- Make and model: Piper PA-44-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-44-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-44-180) (OpenAirDocs)
- Aircraft serial: 4496125
- Aircraft time: 6,405 hours
- Engine: Lyc O360A1H6
- System (JASC): [5312 · Fuselage Main, Bulkhead](https://openairdocs.org/jasc/5312)
- Part: Bulkhead
- Part number: 86462002
- Condition: Cracked
- Location: Not Reported
- Part time: 6,405 hours
- Stage of operation: IN
- How discovered: 9
- Nature of condition: O
- Precautionary procedure: K
- FAA source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System (https://sdrs.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/sdr/FQAR20150923096

## Discrepancy

DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, CRACKS WERE NOTED IN A BULKHEAD IN THE AFT UPPER FUSELAGE ADJACENT TO THE DORSAL FIN FORWARD ATTACH FITTING. THE CRACKS WERE MADE VISIBLE BY REMOVAL OF THE FAIRING THAT COVERS THE FORWARD ATTACH FITTING. FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE BULKHEAD AFTER IT WAS REMOVED REVEALED IT WAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES- THE OUTBOARDMOST RIVET HOLES, LEFT AND RIGHT, THAT ATTACH IT TO THE P/N 78965-007 DOUBLER. CRACKS RADIATED OUTWARD FROM EACH RIVET HOLE AND A CRACK WAS SEEN IN THE INNER RADIUS OF THE FLANGE AT THE BULKHEAD'S TOP. NO CORROSION WAS PRESENT ON THE BULKHEAD OR ANY ADJACENT PARTS. IT IS SUSPECTED THAT INFLIGHT STRESSES IMPOSED ON THE DORSAL FIN TRANSFERRED TO THE BULKHEAD AND INSTIGATED THE CRACKING.

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