(OVER) 

# SERVICE **BULLETIN**

Date: August 26, 2015 (S) 

## NO. 

# 1279

**S ub**  **j ect**  : **W in**  **g R ib**  **I ns**  **p ecti**  **o n**  **a t**  **R i**  **gh t**  **S i**  **d e**  **WS 140.09**

**Mod els**  **A ff**  **ecte d**  : **S eri**  **a l**  **N umbers**  **A ff**  **ecte d**  : PA-28-161 Warrior III 2842393 through 2842395 PA-28-181 Archer III 2843769 through 2843775, 2843779 through 2843791 PA-28R-201 Arrow 2844152

**Co m**  **p li**  **a nce**  **T ime**  **:** To coincide with the next regularly scheduled maintenance event, but not to exceed the next 25 hours time in service

**Pur po**  **se :**  This service bulletin provides instructions for a one-time inspection of the right wing rib at wing station (WS) 140.09 for cracks. Left undetected, a crack in this rib could propagate to a critical length, potentially resulting in structural failure of the wing and loss of control of the aircraft.

**Saf et**  **y I ntent**  : The safety intent of this service bulletin is to inspect for cracks on the right wing rib at WS 140.09, and, for any cracks found, to develop a suitable repair on an individual basis.

**I nstructi**  **o ns**  **:**
NOTE : Some steps in these instructions are identified as “required for compliance” (RC). If this service bulletin is mandated by an airworthiness directive (AD), the steps identified as RC must be done to comply with the AD. Steps not identified as RC are recommended and may be deviated from, done as a part of other actions, or done with accepted methods different from those given in this SB, if the RC steps can be done and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition.
N ote : The following instructions apply only to the right wing. NOTE : Temporary removal of adjacent access plates and inspection panels will facilitate this inspection. Refer to the applicable Airplane Maintenance Manual, Section 6-00-00, Access and Inspection Provisions. 1. RC – Locate the wing rib at WS 140.09, which is positioned aft of the main wing spar. Refer to Figure 1. 2. RC – The inspection described below shall be accomplished using a 10X magnifier, a mirror and a suitable light source, or other equipment capable of providing equal or better resolution. RC – Conduct a detailed visual inspection of the web area identified in View A–A for cracks. Check the inboard and outboard surfaces of the web, with special emphasis on the bend radii common to the stiffening bead and the web of the rib.
a. If no crack is found, proceed to Step 3. 

# P **I P**  **ER C O**  **NSI D**  **ERS C**  **O M**  **P LI**  **A NCE M**  **A N**  **DA T**  **O R**  **Y**

ATA: 5712 **Piper Aircraft, Inc.** 2926 Piper Drive Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A. 32960**SERVICE BULLETIN N O**  **. 1279 PAG**  **E 2 of 3**

RC – **W A**  **RNIN G**  : ANY CRACKS DISCOVERED IN THE AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE MUST BE REPAIRED PRIOR TO THE NEXT FLIGHT. FLIGHT WITH KNOWN CRACKS IN THE AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE IS NOT permitted . AN AIRPLANE WITH A CRACK IN the STRUCTURE MAY NO LONGER MEET ITS TYPE DESIGN AND MAY NO LONGER POSSESS ITS TYPE DESIGN STRENGTH. b. RC – If a crack is found, an FAA approved repair must be accomplished prior to next flight. At the operator’s discretion, assistance can be provided by contacting Piper Customer Service at (+1) 772-299-2141 or customer.service@piper.com to develop a suitable repair. Piper’s normal business hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm (Eastern US), Monday through Friday.
c. Upon completion of the repair, proceed to Step 3. 3. Make a logbook entry documenting compliance with this service bulletin.

**M A**  **TERI A**  **L REQUIRE D**  : On condition, contact: Piper Customer Service (+1) 772-299-2141 or customer.service@piper.com Normal business hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm (Eastern US), Monday through Friday.
**A**

**V**

**A IL**  **A BILIT**  **Y OF**  **PA RTS**  : Your Factory Authorized Piper Service Facility

**Eff ectivit**  **y da te**  : This service bulletin is effective upon receipt.

**S umm**  **a r**  **y** : Applicable factory participation is limited to new aircraft in warranty at the time of compliance. Factory participation will remain in effect for a period of time not to exceed 180 days from the date of this service bulletin. Please contact your Factory Authorized Piper Service Facility to make arrangements for compliance with this service bulletin in accordance with the compliance time indicated.
**No te**  : Please notify the factory of any address/ownership corrections. Changes should include aircraft model, serial number, and current owner’s name and address. Corrections and/or changes should be directed to: PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC. Attn: Customer Service 2926 Piper Drive Vero Beach, FL 32960**SERVICE BULLETIN N O**  **. 1279 PAG**  **E 3 of 3**

**F igure 1**  Plan View, Right Wing