PA24 instructor and student reported operating an aircraft that had been tagged without noticing it had been tagged by an FAA Inspector with an FAA 'aircraft condition notice' tag attached to the bottom of the cover. The aircraft was turned over to the Maintenance Department for action.
Synopsis
PA24 instructor and student reported operating an aircraft that had been tagged without noticing it had been tagged by an FAA Inspector with an FAA 'aircraft condition notice' tag attached to the bottom of the cover. The aircraft was turned over to the Maintenance Department for action.
Narrative
I did an aircraft checkout flight in a club aircraft; Aircraft X. After we returned from an uneventful flight while securing the cover I noticed an FAA 'Aircraft Condition Notice' tag attached to the bottom of the cover. The tag cited 3 mechanical items and stated the aircraft was un-airworthy. The items cited were brake fluid leaking; cowling fastener missing; and nose gear attach rod loose. During our preflight we did see brake fluid on the ground under the main wheels but no signs of leaking or dripping. We did a thorough brake check and determined brakes were operational and the fluid could have been there previously. We also made 3 stops on our flight and brakes worked flawlessly. We also did not see any missing cowl fasteners on pre-flight. One fastener was loose but still adequately securing the cowling. During our inspection of the nose landing gear during pre-flight we did not see or feel any abnormalities.I immediately grounded the aircraft on our club scheduling system and contacted the aircraft owner who said he would look into it and correct any discrepancies. Had I seen the FAA tag before our flight I would not have flown the aircraft. The tag was attached inconspicuously to the bottom of the cover and neither I nor the other commercial rated pilot saw it while we were removing the cover. We also did not see any items we considered un-airworthy during our pre-flight inspection or run up. I would recommend the FAA contact an aircraft owner by most expeditious means available using the aircraft registry or airport authority if they ground an aircraft. The Airport Manager has contact info for all planes based on the field. This aircraft is operated by a flying club whose website and phone numbers are easily accessible. I would also recommend that tags be attached to a conspicuous part of the aircraft like a wing tie down point or handle.
Second reporter narrative
After removing the canopy cover; we proceeded with the pre-flight inspection. We noticed some evidence of brake hydraulic fluid leak; but subsequent test of the brakes indicated normal braking action; so we decided to proceed with the flight (the purpose of which was a checkout in make and model). After completion of the flight; upon securing the canopy cover; I noticed a tag attached to a canopy strap; which had not been noticed when removing the cover prior to flight. Said tag was an 'Aircraft Condition Notice' from the FAA; stating that the aircraft was in an un-airworthy condition due to the hydraulic fluid leak; plus a missing fastener on the bottom engine cowl; and some excessive movement on the nose gear door attach rod. By not noticing the tag during pre-flight inspection; we inadvertently flew the airplane while it was grounded by the FAA. A more careful pre-flight inspection might have avoided the issue.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.