On final (still 200-300 feet in the air), I lightly bumped
the flap handle button with my elbow (flaps were at 40),
heard a loud noise (that's never fun) and the flaps
went from 40 to 10 just like that, and now I get to buy
a new pair of shorts.
The ratchet return spring (P/N 0510176) broke/failed.
On dis-assembly, I found excessive wear on the holes
in the flap handle that the pin goes through (which supports
the latch assy. itself, P/N 0510167).
My IA says we can bush the flap handle and use an AN4-7
bolt (instead of the pin) with a castellated/cottered nut
to repair this. Gotta get a new spring too of course.
Only other alternative is to get a new (or serviceable)
flap handle (ouch...$$$)
Just thought I'd pass the info along. Maybe inspect this
area for wear during your next annual (or sooner!).
