(OVER)

SERVICE

BULLETIN

Date: August 26, 2015 (S)

NO. 1279

Subject: Wing Rib Inspection at Right Side WS 140.09

Models Affected: Serial Numbers Affected:

PA-28-161 Warrior III 2842393 through 2842395

PA-28-181 Archer III 2843769 through 2843775, 2843779 through 2843791

PA-28R-201 Arrow 2844152

Compliance Time: To coincide with the next regularly scheduled maintenance event, but not to exceed 

the next 25 hours time in service 

Purpose: 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. 

Safety Intent: 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. 

Instructions:

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.

Note: 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. 

PIPER CONSIDERS

COMPLIANCE MANDATORY

ATA: 5712

Piper Aircraft, Inc.

2926 Piper Drive

Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A. 32960
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1279 PAGE 2 of 3

RC – WARNING: 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. 

MATERIAL REQUIRED: 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. 

AVAILABILITY OF PARTS: Your Factory Authorized Piper Service Facility

Effectivity date: This service bulletin is effective upon receipt.

Summary: 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.

Note: 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 NO. 1279 PAGE 3 of 3

Figure 1

Plan View, Right Wing

WS

140.090

WS

207.650

OUTBD

FWD

AIRCRAFT SKIN

TOP SURFACE

A

A

MAIN SPAR

AREA OF INSPECTION

VIEW A−A

LOOKING INBOARD 

INTERMEDIATE RIB AT W.S. 140.09

FWD

UP