# SDR FQAR20161020040

- Type: Service difficulty report (as reported; unverified)
- Difficulty date: October 20, 2016
- Submitted: October 24, 2016
- Operation: General aviation
- Aircraft: [N438PA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N438PA), 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: 4496083
- Aircraft time: 9,064 hours
- Engine: Lyc O360A1H6
- System (JASC): [5312 · Fuselage Main, Bulkhead](https://openairdocs.org/jasc/5312)
- Part: Doubler
- Part number: 78965007
- Condition: Cracked
- Location: Bs 247 Bulkhead
- Stage of operation: IN
- How discovered: V
- Nature of condition: O
- Precautionary procedure: K
- FAA source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System (https://sdrs.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/sdr/FQAR20161020040

## Discrepancy

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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