What was found
DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, A BRACKET WAS FOUND CRACKED BELOW WHERE THE FLAP HANDLE IS MOUNTED. THE BRACKET IN QUESTION IS LOCATED IN THE TUNNEL IN THE CENTER OF THE CABIN FLOOR AND IS USED TO MOUNT THE FLAP HANDLE ASSY. THE CRACK WAS LOCATED IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF BRACKET THROUGH RIVETS USED TO MOUNT A NUTPLATE. CRACKING IS CAUSED BY STRESSES IMPOSED BY REPEATED USES OF THE FLAP HANDLE WHICH IS BOLTED TO THIS BRACKET. THIS BRACKET USUALLY AVERAGES 1500-2000 HOURS IN SERVICE BEFORE CRACKING APPEARS.