SERVICE
LETTER #54
DATE:
June 06, 1999
SUBJECT:
Field Service Report Request.
APPLICABILITY:
All Kitfox™ Series 5 aircraft
(Outback, Safari, Vixen, Voyager, Model 5,
and Model 5 Speedster)
COMPLIANCE:
Recommended
FROM:
SkyStar Aircraft Product Development
Earlier
this year, a Kitfox™ Series 5 experienced
a hard landing that resulted in substantial aircraft damage but
fortunately, no injuries. Initial investigations revealed that the pitch
trim actuator was broken at the lower attach point to the fuselage. It
could not be positively determined if the actuator failure had
occurred before, during or after the incident. The NTSB was asked to
analyze the failed actuator to determine why it broke but, as of
06-07-99, we have not received any response from the NTSB regarding
their investigation. This is the first report we have received of a
failed pitch trim actuator. The NTSBÕs non-response and our inability
to analyze the failed component at our facility make it difficult to
accurately assess the situation.
There
have been two different actuators shipped over the past several years.
SkyStar has recently inspected one of each type using visual and
dye-penetrate inspection processes. Neither actuator showed any signs of
wear or cracking at the lower attachment. One actuator (P/N 62012.101)
had 860 hrs in service and the other (P/N 16000.000) had 610 hrs total
time.
Sky
Star could use your help. While not considered mandatory, based upon the
lack of specific evidence of failure, we are asking that all Kitfox™
owners who have these actuators installed to complete the attached
inspection procedure. Following this inspection, we ask that you complete
the attached Field Service Inspection Form and return it to SkyStar. We
appreciate your willingness in helping us and the Kitfox™ community
make sure that we keep our airplanes as safe as possible.
Inspection
Procedure
-
Remove actuator from aircraft.
-
Remove paint from lower attach boss if any using Scotch-Brite.
-
Clean area thoroughly with alcohol.
-
Using a iOX magnifying glass inspect the boss around the mounting hole. Check for cracks and abnormal wear. If available use a Dye-Penetrate inspection process.
-
Note your findings on the survey form and FAX (208-454-6464) or mail the form to SkyStar Aircraft Corp.
-
If a crack or abnormal wear is present, the actuator will need to be replaced before next flight.
-
Reinstall the actuator and make an entry into your logbook.
FIELD
SERVICE REPORT FORM
ISSUE:
Pitch Trim Actuator
Owner:
___________________________________________
Aircraft
Model: _________________________________
Aircraft
Serial Number: ____________________________
Aircraft
Flying (YES
or No): _________________________
Aircraft
Total Time: ____________________________
Date
of Inspection: ______________
Inspection Type: _________________________________
Please
describe findings below: