Service difficulty report · Doubler · Piper PA44180

Difficulty date
May 31, 2016
Submitted
May 31, 2016
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N303PA
Make and model
Piper PA44180
Aircraft serial
4496122
Aircraft time
9,449 hours
Engine
Lyc O360A1H6
Propeller
Hartzl HCC2YR2
Part
Doubler
Part number
78965007
Condition
Cracked
Location
Bulkhead
Stage of operation
IN
How discovered
V
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

DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, A DOUBLER INSTALLED ON A BULKHEAD IN THE EMPENNAGE WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED. THE CRACKED DOUBLER WAS MADE VISIBLE BY REMOVING THE FAIRING BETWEEN THE VERTICAL FIN AND AFT FUSELAGE AND LOOKING AFT AND UP WITH A MIRROR AND FLASHLIGHT. THE DOUBLER, AND THE BULKHEAD IT MOUNTS TO, IS STRUCTURE THAT THE VERTICAL FIN IS MOUNTED. THE CRACKS WERE TO EACH SIDE OF 2 RIVETS THAT LOOK AS THOUGH THEY WERE INCORRECTLY SHOT, OVERSHOT OR CLINCHED. THIS BULKHEAD AND DOUBLER WERE INSTALLED AT MFG.

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