A-87-124
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: ISSUE AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE APPLICABLE TO GROB G102 AND G103 SERIES SAILPLANES AND G109 SERIES MOTORGLIDERS REQUIRING A DIRECTED, DETAILED, AND PERIODIC INSPECTION OF THE WELDED-STEEL, PRIMARY CONTROL SYSTEM COMPONENTS INSTALLED IN THESE AIRCRAFT SUCH AS BELLCRANKS AND LINKAGE/ ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES. PARTICULAR ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE FILLET-WELD HEAT-AFFECTED ZONES AND MOUNTED BEARINGS FOR EVIDENCE OF CRACKS, CONTROL DEFORMATION, OR WIDENED OR CRACKED BEARING RINGS. ANY CRACKED OR OTHERWISE DEFECTIVE PARTS DISCOVERED AS A RESULT OF THE INSPECTION SHOULD BE REPLACED BEFORE FURTHER FLIGHT.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The Federal Aviation Administration is asked to issue an airworthiness directive for Grob G102 and G103 sailplanes and G109 motorgliders, requiring detailed and periodic inspections of welded-steel primary control system components like bellcranks and linkage assemblies. The inspections should focus on fillet-weld heat-affected zones and mounted bearings for cracks, deformation, or damaged bearing rings. Any cracked or defective parts found must be replaced before the aircraft can fly again.
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 | Aug 29, 1989 |
| NTSB number | ATL87IA067 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).