BeechTalk - BT - Piper M600 planes grounded over wing spar

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2017, 19:36

Surprised there is no thread regarding the new SB that has grounded all 39 Piper M600's due to a possible manufacturing problem with a rear wing spar.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2017, 20:14

I just did a google search and see nothing. Where did you hear this?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2017, 20:22

Here is a copy of the service bulletin.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2017, 20:25

Its just an SB so it's not mandatory.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2017, 20:25

Ouch... that sounds expensive.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 Jul 2017, 22:28

It says right on "Piper Considers compliance mandatory"
You dont cut corners on a wing spar and these planes are all under warranty.

Username Protected wrote:

Its just an SB so it's not mandatory.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Jul 2017, 00:01

All Piper SB's since the mid seventies have the word Manditory on them. Some may refer to a loose ashtray knob. Few suggest griounding of the aircraft and this one involving primary structure I would pay attention to.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Jul 2017, 20:36

It can happen to anything. I hope Chick comes on soon and tells us about it. I'm sure he will very well informed.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Jul 2017, 22:17

Username Protected wrote:

Its just an SB so it's not mandatory.

This one sounds like an AD following right behind it.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Jul 2017, 22:19

Username Protected wrote:

Its just an SB so it's not mandatory.

This one sounds like an AD following right behind it.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Jul 2017, 09:22

There is supposed to be an AD issued this week.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Jul 2017, 21:28

Talked to a new M600 owner this morning while looking at the M2. He had to drive in. Not happy. No idea what he was going to need to do but glad he had a warranty. Inquired at the Piper booth but they didn't seem to know either.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Jul 2017, 21:35

From piper on MMOPA

Quote:

As a responsible aircraft manufacturer, Piper’s number one priority has always been the safety of the owners/operators of our products. This week, during our standard QA processes, we became aware of a potential non-conformance in a vendor sourced M600 wing component. Out of an abundance of caution and as we gather the necessary data, Piper has notified the FAA and issued a mandatory Service Bulletin (SB # 1317) temporarily grounding the Piper M600 pending further inspection. Piper is currently working with the FAA on an approved ferry and inspection process. We expect to begin the inspection process and any corrective action early next week. We do not take this action lightly and fully understand the near term inconvenience this inspection may cause our M600 owner/operators; however, safety considerations are our main priority.

Piper will assist with associated costs for any commercial air carrier based alternative transportation during the inspection process in order to help minimize any travel disruption.
As a result, we are working with each owner/operator and their local dealer to ensure two primary objectives, 1) their near term travel plans are completed with minimal disruption, and 2) their aircraft are inspected and returned to service as quickly as possible.

In support of this initiative the following communication cadence is being put in place:
1. Dealer Communique #32-2017 distributed to dealer principals today, 7/21/17 at 11:30 a.m.
2. Mandatory Service Bulletin #1317 released to dealers and affected customers today, 7/21/17 before 12:00 p.m. EST
3. FAA Airworthiness Directive released Monday of next week, July 24, 2017

We will be proactively contacting our M600 customers with more data and information as it becomes available to us and as we learn more while working with the FAA.

Any further questions regarding this issue should be directed to:
1. General Questions: Vinnie Zarrella: 772-473-4920 or Vincent.zarrella@piper.com

2. Media and/or Press Inquiries: Jackie Carlon: 772-559-5907 or Jackie.carlon@piper.com

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Jul 2017, 22:08

Charles I?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Jul 2017, 22:17

He is probably too busy driving to Oshkosh. :eek:

Not sure if that is true or not but I Heard today that Piper will correct this with a patch on the spar.

Wow, on a brand new $3m aircraft. If it was my aircraft I would expect new wings or nothing.

Username Protected wrote:

Charles I?