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Final Approach
just got this email from FAA Safety
The FAA has been made aware of a model PA28-161 Cadet in the Netherlands that had a “Low Volt” light illuminate, and then white smoke appeared from below the left-hand side of the instrument panel while in flight. This resulted in the aircrew declaring an emergency, performing the electrical fire emergency checklist actions, followed by the forced landing emergency checklist actions, and then landing with no injuries. The pilot in command shut the engine down, and the occupants evacuated the aircraft. An investigation found that a fuse in the alternator aux circuit would have prevented the event. The Piper Aircraft Company issued a Service Bulletin, SB 991A, dated 1/10/1996, addressing possible smoke formation from a failed alternator-out switch. The service Bulletin provided instructions for installing a fuse on the alternator auxiliary terminal. The subject aircraft did not have the modification to comply with Service Bulletin 991A.
The FAA is concerned that other aircraft included within the affected by of SB991A may not have accomplished the modification. The FAA would like to gather data to determine if this issue requires additional consideration in light of the reported incident/accident.
This is a link to the Airworthiness Concern Sheet that contains the model and serial numbers affected by the issue. https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2021/Dec/ACS_Piper2021correct_Final.pdf
This is a link to Piper Service Bulletin 991A, Replacement or Modification of the Alternator Out Light Circuit Fuse. https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2021/Dec/SB_0991A.pdf
The FAA has been made aware of a model PA28-161 Cadet in the Netherlands that had a “Low Volt” light illuminate, and then white smoke appeared from below the left-hand side of the instrument panel while in flight. This resulted in the aircrew declaring an emergency, performing the electrical fire emergency checklist actions, followed by the forced landing emergency checklist actions, and then landing with no injuries. The pilot in command shut the engine down, and the occupants evacuated the aircraft. An investigation found that a fuse in the alternator aux circuit would have prevented the event. The Piper Aircraft Company issued a Service Bulletin, SB 991A, dated 1/10/1996, addressing possible smoke formation from a failed alternator-out switch. The service Bulletin provided instructions for installing a fuse on the alternator auxiliary terminal. The subject aircraft did not have the modification to comply with Service Bulletin 991A.
The FAA is concerned that other aircraft included within the affected by of SB991A may not have accomplished the modification. The FAA would like to gather data to determine if this issue requires additional consideration in light of the reported incident/accident.
This is a link to the Airworthiness Concern Sheet that contains the model and serial numbers affected by the issue. https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2021/Dec/ACS_Piper2021correct_Final.pdf
This is a link to Piper Service Bulletin 991A, Replacement or Modification of the Alternator Out Light Circuit Fuse. https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2021/Dec/SB_0991A.pdf