FAA Issues SAIB for Piper Super Cub

FYI:

FAA Issues SAIB for Piper Super Cub
On February 6, 2013, the FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerting owners and operators of Piper PA-18 (L-21) airplanes of cracking discovered in the weld joint of the aft fuselage tail post. If undetected, the cracking could become significant and result in a potential safety of flight hazard such as loss of control of the lower rudder hinge or tail wheel.
The FAA recommends the affected Piper airplane models that have accumulated 1,000 hours total time in service (TIS) be inspected using a fluorescent penetrant and/or x-ray within the next 100 hours TIS in the fuselage tail post area, and then be repeated every 1,000 hours TIS. These inspections are particularly important if the aircraft is subject to operation in severe turbulence, towing, or on rough terrain. The SAIB also provides guidance on recommended inspections for various Piper airplane models with similar tail post configurations. For more information as well as a detailed x-ray view of a damaged area, go to http://go.usa.gov/4VjF.