Swearingen SA226TC - Service Difficulty Advisory

AV 2003-07
28 November 2003

Water ingress during heavy rain

While en route, the crew reported that the rudder control became frozen and the elevator control was stiff. The pilots were able to land the aircraft without incident.

A subsequent inspection revealed one inch of ice in the belly of the fuselage, with rudder and elevator pulleys and cables situated within the ice.

Once the ice had melted, some of the eight fuselage drains were found blocked and required cleaning before the trapped water could drain overboard. The operator noted that with the nose oleo extended, much of the water remained in the fuselage even with clear drains.

This aircraft had been parked outside in heavy rain for several days and water may have entered the aircraft through the uninflated cargo door seal.

All operators are reminded that water ingress into an aircraft is possible with even small amounts of rain. Open water drains should remove any critical water however; these drains are usually located to function properly with the aircraft sitting level on the ramp. Periodic inspection for proper operation and cleanliness is critical for these drains to function as designed.

Any further defects or occurrences should be reported to Transport Canada, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa 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