# SDR FQAR20160523022

- Type: Service difficulty report (as reported; unverified)
- Difficulty date: May 23, 2016
- Submitted: May 26, 2016
- 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: 6,756 hours
- Engine: Lyc O360A1H6
- Propeller: Hartzl HCC2YR2
- System (JASC): [3297 · Landing Gear System Wiring](https://openairdocs.org/jasc/3297)
- Part: Downlock Switch
- Part number: 89291003
- Condition: Separated
- Location: Mlg
- Part time: 45 hours
- Stage of operation: TX
- How discovered: O
- Nature of condition: O
- Precautionary procedure: O
- FAA source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System (https://sdrs.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/sdr/FQAR20160523022

## Discrepancy

WHILE PERFORMING A GEAR FUNCTIONAL TEST, NOTED THAT THE RT GEAR DOWNLOCK SWITCH FAILED TO ACTIVATE THE GEAR PUMP WHEN THE DOWNLOCK WAS UNSEATED. CLOSE INSPECTION REVEALED 2 BROKEN WIRES AT THE SWITCH BODY;  THE SWITCH HAD BEEN IN SERVICE 2 WEEKS AND HAD ACCRUED 45 HOURS. THE PN 89291-003, SWITCH IS REVISION M, INCORPORATING LONGER SHRINK WRAP ON THE HARNESS TO PREVENT FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE WIRES. MFG HAS SINCE REVISED THE PART DESIGN TO REV N BECAUSE THEY DISCOVERED THE REV M SHRINK WRAP LENGTH WAS STILL NOT ADEQUATE TO PREVENT THE FATIGUING OF THE WIRES.

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