A-94-064
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: ISSUE AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD) TO OPERATORS OF BOEING 727 AND 737 AIRPLANES REQUIRING PERIODIC INSPECTION OF THE AILERON CABLES FOR BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WEAR, AND FOR BROKEN WIRES, WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE AREA OF THE CABLE CONTACTING THE PULLEYS. THE INSPECTION SHOULD INCLUDE RELEASING CABLE TENSION TO BETTER DETECT CABLE WEAR AND WIRE BREAKAGE AND ESTABLISHING A MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE REDUCTION IN CABLE DIAMETER WHERE PULLEY CONTACT OCCURS. BASED ON THE INSPECTIONS, DEVELOP SPECIFIC FLIGHT HOUR INTERVALS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE CABLES.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The National Transportation Safety Board recommends the Federal Aviation Administration issue an airworthiness directive for Boeing 727 and 737 operators, requiring periodic inspections of aileron cables for internal and external wear and broken wires, particularly where cables contact pulleys. Inspections must include releasing cable tension to detect wear and wire breakage, and setting a maximum allowable cable diameter reduction at pulley contact points. Based on these inspections, the FAA should establish specific flight hour intervals for cable replacement.
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 | Oct 30, 1996 |
| NTSB number | NYC93IA059 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).