A-97-012
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FAA: ISSUE AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE SUPERSEDING AD 87-18-09, APPLICABLE TO ALL BELLANCA SCOUT MODEL 8GCBC AIRPLANES WITH WOOD WING SPARS, THAT REQUIRES A COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTION OF ALL CRITICAL AREAS OF THE SPARS FOR EVIDENCE OF COMPRESSION CRACKS. AREAS OF THE SPAR REQUIRED TO BE INSPECTED SHOULD INCLUDE THE TOP SURFACES OF BOTH FRONT & REAR SPARS ADJACENT TO: THE FRONT SPAR REINFORCEMENT PLATE GLUE LINES; THE REAR SPAR LIFT STRUT ATTACHMENT POINT; & THE FRONT & REAR SPAR RIB ATTACHMENT NAIL HOLES. THE INSPECTION SHOULD SUBSEQUENTLY BE CONDUCTED AT INTERVALS NOT EXCEEDING 500 FLIGHT HOURS & SUBSEQUENT TO ANY INCIDENT THAT RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE WINGS. IF COMPRESSION FAILURE IS DETECTED, THE SPAR SHOULD BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED BEFORE FURTHER FLIGHT.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The National Transportation Safety Board asks the FAA to issue a new airworthiness directive for Bellanca Scout Model 8GCBC airplanes with wood wing spars, replacing the existing AD 87-18-09. The directive would require a thorough inspection of critical spar areas for compression cracks, including the top surfaces near glue lines, attachment points, and nail holes. Inspections must be repeated every 500 flight hours or after any wing damage; if compression failure is found, the spar must be repaired or replaced before the next flight.
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 | Aug 13, 1998 |
| NTSB number | BFO95FA082 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).