Service difficulty report · Pin · Piper PA31350

Difficulty date
August 17, 2001
Submitted
March 7, 2002
Operation
Air carrier
Aircraft
N27501
Make and model
Piper PA31350
Aircraft serial
317852028
Engine
Lyc TIO540*
Part
Pin
Part number
MS203922C35
Condition
Worn
Location
Cargo Door
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

REINSTALLING COVER ON NOSE BAGGAGE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY, MECHANIC TOOK ONE LAST LOOK AT LATCHING MECHANISM AND SAW AN EXCESSIVELY WORN CLEVIS PIN. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IF THIS PART FAILED, THE NOSE BAGGAGE DOOR COULD COME OPEN IN FLIGHT. THE WORN PART IS THE PIN SECURING THE LATCHES CONNECTING TUBE ASSEMBLY TO DOOR HANDLE. THERE ARE THREE SPRINGS ATTACHING THE TUBE ASSEMBLY TO THE DOOR STRUCTURE AND THE DOOR HANDLE, IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW THEY MAY AFFECT THE LATCHES SECURITY. IF THE PIN BROKE, ESPECIALLY IF IT HAPPENED WHILE LOCKING THE DOOR, THE LATCHES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY ENGAGED, OR THEY MAY VIBRATE TO THE UNLOCKED POSITION. MOST CERTAINLY IF THE PIN BROKE THE DOOR SECURITY WOULD BE COMPROMISED.

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