A-79-007
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
ISSUE AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO REQUIRE THE IMMEDIATE INSPECTION OF ALL PIPER AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH CONTROL STOP BOLT INSTALLATIONS WHERE EXTENSION OF THE STOP BOLT CAN LIMIT CONTROL SURFACE TRAVEL TO DETERMINE IF STOP BOLT POSITION OR JAM NUT TORQUE HAS CHANGED. REQUIRE READJUSTMENT OF THE STOP BOLT AND RETORQUING OF THE JAM NUT AS NECESSARY. REQUIRE THAT THE STOP BOLT INSTALLATION BE MODIFIED TO INCLUDE SAFETY WIRE OR SOME OTHER POSITIVE NONFRICTION MEANS OF PREVENTING ROTATION OF THE STOP BOLT DURING THE APPLICATION OF VIBRATORY LOADS. (URGENT)
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is urged to mandate immediate checks of specific Piper planes where adjustable control stop bolts might have shifted, potentially restricting how far flight controls can move. If adjustments are found necessary, mechanics must realign the bolts and secure them with safety wire or a similar non-friction method to prevent loosening from vibration. This urgent action aims to ensure these critical components remain fixed in place during operation.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Alternate Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | May 24, 1984 |
| NTSB number | 80075 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).