A-89-077
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: CONDUCT TESTS OF THE INTEGRAL FUEL TANKS IN SOCATA TRINIDAD TB 20 AND TB 21 AIRPLANES, WITH THE AIRPLANE IN ITS NORMAL GROUND ATTITUDE, TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY FREE WATER THAT MAY BE PRESENT CAN BE COMPLETELY ELIMINATED THROUGH THE FUEL TANK SUMP DRAIN VALVES. IF WATER REMAINS ENTRAPPED, THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION SHOULD REQUIRE SOCATA TO INITIATE APPROPRIATE REMEDIAL DESIGN ACTION; ISSUE AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE OUTLINING THE ACTION NECESSARY TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM IN EXISTING AIRPLANES; AND ENSURE THAT SOCATA TB 20 AND TB 21 AIRPLANES SUBSEQUENTLY MANUFACTURED AND IMPORTED INTO THE UNITED STATES COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF 14 CFR 23.971, "FUEL TANK SUMP," OR THEIR EQUIVALENT. (URGENT)
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB asks the FAA to test the integral fuel tanks of Socata Trinidad TB20 and TB21 airplanes in their normal ground attitude to see if the sump drain valves can completely remove any free water. If water remains trapped, the FAA must require Socata to take remedial design action, issue an airworthiness directive for existing planes, and ensure future TB20 and TB21 airplanes comply with the fuel tank sump requirements of 14 CFR 23.971.
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 Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jun 12, 1990 |
| NTSB number | MKC88LA180 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).