NTSB Urges Emergency Airworthiness Directive for Bellanca Decathlon Aircraft

The National Transportation Safety Board, identified by reference number CHI90FA117, has issued recommendation A-90-082 directing the Federal Aviation Administration to take urgent action. The board advises that an emergency airworthiness directive be issued for all Bellanca Decathlon 8KCAB airplanes. This directive would require an immediate inspection of all forward strut-to-spar attachment fittings to detect any cracking. Furthermore, the recommendation calls for recurring inspections to promptly identify future cracking issues. As these improved components become available, the present fittings must be replaced with the improved versions to ensure continued airworthiness and safety standards are met.