FAA to issue stabilizer AD on two Grumman singles

According to notice NOTC1827, issued May 4, a Grumman American AA–5 single-engine airplane was involved in an in-flight loss-of-pitch-control accident, after which inspection revealed separation, or debonding, of the left horizontal stabilizer skin surfaces from the end rib mounting flanges.

“Examination was also conducted on an exemplar aircraft for comparison, during which similar compromise of the structure was identified,” it said.

The FAA said it is preparing the AD for immediate adoption—an exception to its usual process that allows for a period of public comment before an AD takes effect.

Public comments would still be accepted, however; according to the FAA website, an AD issued as a final rule “may be changed later if substantive comments are received.”