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: