Incident Overview
During a final approach to runway 21, the pilot of a Beech 1900D lowered the flaps to 35 degrees. As the flaps reached that setting, the pilot noted aileron binding and heard a snapping sound originating from beneath the cockpit floor. After landing, the flaps were not retracted, and the airplane was taxied to the terminal.
Post-Flight Inspection
Upon arrival at the terminal, ground personnel observed that the right outboard flap panel had separated from the flap aft roller bearings at the inboard flap track. The detached flap was in contact with the aileron, which interfered with aileron control.
Manufacturer's Communique
The aircraft manufacturer had issued a Safety Communique in May 1997. This document addressed the inspection of outboard flap attachment brackets and aft roller bearings on Beech 1900 series airplanes. The incident airplane was scheduled to undergo this inspection within the next 30 days.
Aircraft and Fleet Information
The incident airplane had accumulated approximately 3,317 flight hours and 7,069 landings. Subsequent inspection of the operator's entire Beech 1900D fleet revealed that eight additional airplanes failed the inspection criteria specified in the Communique. However, those airplanes had not yet reached the assigned number of cycles outlined in the document.