Cessna 172 Tail-Skid Bracket Deformation Could Lead To Rudder Jamming The FAA was notified that a tail skid featuring a J-shaped, hook design manufactured by AirKit LLC under Part Number 16316, has been installed on an FAA type-certificated small airplane, a Cessna 172. This discovery was made following an incident on a Cessna 172 instructional flight in which the aircraft experienced a minor tail strike. During the strike, the tail-skid bracket bent backward and upward, penetrated the rudder’s bottom skin panel, and subsequently jammed the rudder. Although the pilot was able to recover without further incident, loss of flight controls may result in loss of control of the aircraft. The FAA is currently investigating the safety issue.
