Avidflyer2
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2016
- Messages
- 1,256
- Reaction score
- 441
During a 100 Hour inspection we found the left main gear forward trunnion bolts loose at the wing spar! Actually one bolt was broken in two pieces with the threaded part still in the nutplate forward of the wing spar. The main gear could be moved a couple of inches at the axle once the airplane was up on jacks.
I performed the last 100 Hour inspection and can attest that we checked the bolts for proper torque at that time. This airplane is pre- Piper SB 956 in that the trunnion bolts are 1/4" diameter, and not the post SB 956 5/16" diameter bolts. This airplane is routinely flown by 2000 hour Pilot's and not subjected to hard landings by students.
The same landing gear setup is used by other Piper Models, such as the Arrow.
I recommend you look at the forward and rearward mounting plates or trunnions on your next preflight for looseness at the spar. If any evidence of fretting is occurring at the bolts or between the trunnions and the wing spars have it checked immediately.
I performed the last 100 Hour inspection and can attest that we checked the bolts for proper torque at that time. This airplane is pre- Piper SB 956 in that the trunnion bolts are 1/4" diameter, and not the post SB 956 5/16" diameter bolts. This airplane is routinely flown by 2000 hour Pilot's and not subjected to hard landings by students.
The same landing gear setup is used by other Piper Models, such as the Arrow.
I recommend you look at the forward and rearward mounting plates or trunnions on your next preflight for looseness at the spar. If any evidence of fretting is occurring at the bolts or between the trunnions and the wing spars have it checked immediately.
