All Piper PA-31 and PA-42 series aircraft fitted with main gear retraction arms P/N 42042-000 and 42042-002.
This Continued Airworthiness Notice (CAN) alerts operators and maintainers of Piper PA-31 and PA-042 series aircraft of Piper SL 1092B dated 1 September 2011 which introduces an initial inspection, a periodic inspection and a life limit for main gear retraction arms P/N 42042-000 and 42042-002. The initial inspection is required at 1500 hours TIS and the SL also introduces a periodic 200 hour inspection until 6000 hours TTIS. At the mandatory life limit of 6000 hours TTIS affected main gear retraction arms must be replaced before further flight.
This CAN is prompted by a report from a New Zealand PA-31-350 aircraft maintainer of finding a main gear retraction arm cracked while accomplishing the instructions in Piper SL 1092. Investigation revealed the fatigue crack initiated at the inner radius of the arm. The retraction arm was replaced and compliance with Piper SL 1092B annotated in the aircraft logbook.
CAA strongly recommends operators and maintainers of Piper PA-31 and PA-42 series aircraft fitted with main gear retraction arms P/N 42042-000 and 42042-002 comply with the inspection requirements specified in Piper SL 1092B dated 1 September 2011.
Affected main gear retraction arms P/N 42042-000 and 42042-002 must be replaced at the mandatory life limit of 6000 hours TTIS specified in Piper SL 1092B.
Compliance with the requirements specified in Piper SL 1092B may be accomplished by adding the requirements to the aircraft logbook.
All other enquires regarding this CAN should be made to:
Owen Olls
Airworthiness Specialist
Email: owen.olls@caa.govt.nz
Phone: 04 560 9569
