New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority has issued a notice after wing-rib cracks were found in two Tecnam P2002 aircraft belonging to the same operator.
Continuing Airworthiness Notice 57-006 was published and became effective on October 30, 2026. It addresses P2002 operators and maintenance providers.
What engineers found
During a scheduled inspection, engineers noticed wing-skin flexing and a faint clicking sound in the walkway area above wing rib number two on both sides. Further examination found significant cracks in both ribs. Another P2002 operated by the same company had the same defect.
The CAA says the aircraft had accumulated approximately 2,700 and 3,500 hours in service.
Advice for operators and maintainers
The notice recommends attention to flexing above rib number two and investigation by a maintenance engineer. With the wings installed, the affected area requires additional inspection aids, such as a borescope, to be seen. The CAA asks for crack findings to be reported through its occurrence-reporting process.
An advisory while the investigation continues
The CAA describes this notice as an interim action pending completion of its investigation. Its guidance explains that continuing airworthiness notices provide advice and recommendations, with non-mandatory compliance. They are distinct from airworthiness directives.
Operators should consult the complete notice and their maintenance provider for the technical detail.
Sources: CAA notice 57-006 and CAA guidance on the status of continuing airworthiness notices.
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