Photo above shows Horizontal & Vertical Stabilizers & Engines removed to access Frame “Banjo” Fitting for removal Click picture for large view

During modifications to the avionics equipment, it was noticed that the doublers installed (at the base of the vertical stabilizer) during SB100-55-235 were missing paint. The tail cone was removed to gain access to the interior of the frame where the fasteners pass through the frame fitting. We discovered an additional hole and two holes that that were not filled completely by the fastener (snowman shaped) holes. It is believed that the damage occurred during accomplishment of SB 100-55-235 some fifteen months earlier. The information was provided to Gulfstream Aerospace LP (GALP, an Israeli company that holds the type certificate for the Astra SPX now renamed the G100) for a disposition. The disposition was replace the fitting before further flight.

Since this is the second aircraft that sustained damage during accomplishment of SB 100-55-235 in which the OEM’s disposition required replacement of the fitting, we believe operators who have accomplished this SB need to look for possible hidden damage on the forward interior of the frame “banjo fitting” during the next inspection that calls for the tail cone to be removed.
 

The Garrett Aviation team of professionals, in Augusta Georgia, provide superior maintenance/repair of the Astra SPX/ G100 and other aircraft and are the only facility that has previously accomplished the extensive repair/ replacement of the fuselage frame “banjo” fitting.

“The replacement was accomplished on schedule and below projected budget! The Garrett team in Augusta demonstrated their leadership in providing the highest-quality aviation services and total commitment to Customer Service.” Said Steve Brown, Vice President of HTA Aviation, LLC

NOTE TO EDITORS

HTA Aviation, LLC, a privately held company, providing superior CLS and COMBS services for our government and support for the world's most technologically advanced business jet aircraft. HTA also offers Service Engineering (DER & PMA), Technical Publications, and Consulting Services for the business aviation industry.