All operators and maintenance providers of Tecnam P2002 aircraft.
This CAN is raised to draw attention to two recent incidents of Tecnam P2002 wing rib cracking reported to CAA.
During a scheduled inspection of a Tecnam P2002 aircraft, engineers observed flexing of the wing skin with an associated faint clicking noise in the wing walkway area above wing rib #2 on both LH and RH sides of the aircraft. Further investigation identified significant cracking in both LH and RH wing ribs #2.
Engineers subsequently inspected another P2002 of the same operator, identifying the same defect.
CAA has been advised that the affected aircraft had completed approx. 2700 hours TTIS and 3500 hours TTIS.
Operators are advised to pay particular attention to any flexing of the wing surface above wing rib #2 (i.e. in the wing walkway area). Any walkway flexing should be subject to further investigation by a maintenance engineer.
Engineers planning to inspect wing rib #2 with wings installed, are advised that the cracked area as described in this CAN is only visible using additional inspection aids such as a borescope.
CAA requests that operators and maintenance providers report any findings of cracked wing ribs via the occurrence reporting process: https://occurrencereporting.services.aviation.govt.nz(external link)
Any questions can be directed to: warren.hadfield@caa.govt.nz
This CAN is considered to be an interim action pending completion of the current investigation.
Figure 1 – Reported crack locations #2 wing rib upper.
Figure 2 – Rib #2 LH and RH cracking 1st aircraft.
Figure 3 – Rib #2 LH and RH cracking 2nd aircraft.
