A-84-087
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: CONDUCT A DIRECTED SAFETY INVESTIGATION (DSI) OF MOONEY MODEL M-20 AND M-20A AIRPLANES TO ASCERTAIN THE DEGREE OF UNDETECTED STRUCTURAL DETERIORATION OF THESE AIRPLANES. IF THE RESULTS INDICATE A SIGNIFICANT LEVEL OF DETERIORATION, AN EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE SHOULD BE ISSUED REQUIRING AN IMMEDIATE INSPECTION OF ALL M-20 AND M-20A AIRPLANES AND/OR REPLACEMENT OF THE WOOD EMPENNAGE WITH AN ALL-METAL EMPENNAGE AS PROVIDED FOR IN MOONEY SERVICE BULLETIN M-20-170A. THE INSPECTIONS SHOULD BE PERFORMED AT A MOONEY SERVICE CENTER OR AT OTHER APPROVED FACILITIES SKILLED IN THE MAINTENANCE OF WOODEN AIRPLANES.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB asks the FAA to perform a directed safety investigation of Mooney M-20 and M-20A airplanes to find hidden structural decay. If significant deterioration is found, the FAA should issue an emergency airworthiness directive mandating immediate inspections and possible replacement of the wood empennage with an all-metal unit as specified in Mooney Service Bulletin M-20-170A. The inspections must be done at Mooney service centers or other approved facilities with wood airplane expertise.
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 | Nov 17, 1986 |
| NTSB number | ATL83FA091 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).