FAA Aviation Maintenance Alert

Cessna: A185F; Cracked Horizontal Stabilizer Brackets; ATA 5340
A technician writes, “The aft attach points of this 185 Horizontal Stabilizer are structurally reinforced with an internal reinforcement triangle bracket (P/N's 0732106 and 0732106-1). Cracks in these reinforcements were found around the washers of the attach hardware, and in the radius of the angle. Identification of this problem can be accomplished by (noting) excessive fore and aft movement of the horizontal stabilizer while observing the rear attach fitting. If the fitting shows signs of a gap between the skin and the fitting while testing the movement fore and aft, this is probably a cause for further investigation of the internal reinforcement triangle brackets.  This area is most easily inspected by removing the elevators and using adequate lighting and a small mirror through the lightening holes in the horizontal stabilizer. Probable cause (might be) fatigue and over torquing of the attach hardware. (For prevention I recommend) inspection of these reinforcements and/or their replacement.” More