AV 2004-01
12 January 2004
Citation III flight control cables
Transport Canada has learned through the Service Difficulty Reporting System of a Citation III (Cessna 650) failed spoiler control cable.
During scheduled maintenance, a technician was conducting a flight control cable inspection in the wing area. When the technician removed one of the pulley assemblies, the cable was found severely damaged. The submitter indicated there was a small accumulation of dirt around the pulley however, found no evidence of FOD that would cause this degree of damage.
Since the last major inspection, this aircraft had accumulated only 300 hours. The Cessna inspection card does not require the removal of the cable or pulley for inspection. If this detailed inspection had not been carried out, failure of this cable was likely to occur prior to the next scheduled inspection of this area. The damage was not visible with the pulley installed.
Flight control cables can be difficult to inspect when surrounded by hydraulic lines, components and aircraft structure. AC43.13-1B provides clear inspection techniques for control cables, cable runs and pulley installations. AME's are reminded to carefully inspect all flight control cables in accordance with AC.43.13-1B or other manufacturer approved Maintenance Practices. Periodic removal of the flight control cables for inspection is highly recommended.
Any further defects or occurrences should be reported to Transport Canada, via the Service Difficulty Reporting program.
For further information contact a Transport Canada Centre, or call Mr. Steve Dudka, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa, telephone (613) 952-4361, facsimile (613) 996-9178 or e-mail dudkas@tc.gc.ca.
For Director, Aircraft Certification
B. Goyaniuk
Chief, Continuing Airworthiness
Note: For the electronic version of this document, please consult the following Web address:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/aircraft-airworthiness/aircraft-certification