Sun, Dec 25, 2005
The FAA has issued the
following SAIB to owner/operators of Grumman/Gulfstream American
G-73 Amphibs, just days after the fatal accident that took down a
Chalk's G-73 involved in commercial passenger service.
Background
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) informs
you, a registered owner or operator of a Gulfstream American G-73
airplane, of the current findings related to an accident involving
a G-73. This SAIB also applies to airplanes that may also be
identified as a model G-73T. On December 19, 2005, a G-73, modified
by STC SA2323WE to install Pratt and Whitney PT6A engines and STC
SA4410SW to increase the passenger count to 17, experienced a wing
separation on take-off off the coast of Florida. The wing separated
between the fuselage attachment and the engine attachment.
Preliminary indications from the investigation by the NTSB and
FAA reveal occurrences of fatigue failure of a wing spar. This
particular airplane was operated in passenger service and in a
salt-water environment.
Information
At this time, the initiating cause of the failure is unknown.
The FAA is closely monitoring the investigation to determine the
existence of a condition on the accident airplane that may be
manifest on other G-73 airplanes in the existing fleet. At this
time, the FAA is not able to identify an inspection or other action
that can be taken to determine whether other aircraft may have the
same condition. FAA is considering the need for mandatory detailed
inspections of parts or all of the wing structure on the fleet of
G-73 airplanes. If FAA determines that the accident airplane
wing’s pre-separation condition is potentially manifest in
other G-73 airplanes, the FAA will take appropriate action.
For Further Information Contact
Rob Romero, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Fort
Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601
Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas
76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5102;
facsimile: (817) 222-5960;
e-mail: Robert.A.Romero@faa.gov.
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