FACTORY ALERT

 3.  Tail Vibration / Trim Tab Failure Models 14-19, 14-19-2, & 14-19-3

Bellanca/AALLC has recently received a report of severe in-flight tail vibration on a Model 14-19-3 airplane.  The vibration occurred suddenly at high speed and continued until the vibration stopped at low speed.  There was significant structural damage to the airplane.  A review of Service Difficulty records has found a few additional reports of a similar problem.  We are waiting to receive parts from the Model 14-19-3 owner, but investigation of this problem has determined that the most likely cause for the vibration is excessive elevator trim-tab actuating mechanism free-play resulting from one or more of the following: loose or worn parts, an improperly installed taper pin, and/or damage from cumulative/excessive taper-pin tightening.  We are working with the FAA to resolve this issue.  In the meantime, check your airplane’s trim tab during your next preflight: the taper pin should fit tight without deformation to the tube it engages, there should be no motion between the trim tab and the actuator arm and the trailing edge of the trim tab should not have more than 0.020 inches peak-to-peak free-play.