13 September 2012
The FAA has proposed an Airworthiness Directive which will affect around 3,000 retractable Cessnas, prompted by a report of a cockpit fire that appeared to originate from the area of the landing gear’s hydraulic power pack system. The models affected would be the 172RG, R182, TR182, FR182, 210N, T210N, 210R, T210R, P210N, P210R, and T303 aeroplanes.
The Agency’s proposal explains that the proposal was prompted by, ‘a report of an accident of a Cessna Aircraft Company Model 172RG airplane where a fire started in-flight on the cabin side of the firewall and rapidly accelerated. The fire originated from the area of the landing gear’s hydraulic power pack system and resulted in a complete hull loss with reported injuries.
The investigation concluded that an in-flight fire may result from improper installation of the terminal lugs, improper installation of (or missing) terminal covers and associated wiring to the landing gear hydraulic power pack motor wiring, which was not properly protected or adequately secured. The cause for the rapid acceleration of the fire was indicative of the presence of flammable materials or a flammable material source near or in contact with the hydraulic power pack system within the aircraft’s cockpit/cabin.
‘This style of hydraulic power pack is also used on Cessna Aircraft Company Models R182, TR182, FR182, 210N, T210N, 210R, T210R, P210N, P210R, and T303 airplanes.
‘This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fire in the aircraft’s cockpit, damage and or loss of aircraft, and injuries and or fatalities.’ <a href=”http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/09/11/2012-22332/airworthiness-directives-cessna-aircraft-company-airplanes”>Click here for more</a>
