FAA Requests Feedback Regarding Wipaire-Equipped AT-802 Airworthiness Concerns 

On April 20, 2026, FAA issued an Airworthiness Concern Sheet for various aircraft equipped with Wipaire’s Wipline® Floats. This includes Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-802A aircraft with Wipline® 10000A floats via STC SA01795CH. 

“The FAA recently received a report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) of a water landing accident involving a DeHavilland DHC-2 Beaver installed with Wipline 6100A amphibious floats operating in a saltwater environment. One of the main gear wheels remained in the fully extended position and resulted in the aircraft becoming submerged after touchdown on water. The ATSB investigation reported that extensive corrosion was found on the contact surface of the main gear slide tube at the location where the main gear carriage sits when the main gear is in the fully extended position. The slide tube also exhibited wear consisting of longitudinal marks caused by movement of the main gear carriage. Further investigation found that the main carriage bushings exhibited wear of the PTFE layer, exposing the sintered bronze layer and exhibited evidence of scoring.” 

The FAA and Wipaire are currently investigating this concern. Wipaire has released Service Letter 280 on their website in response to this issue.  

The FAA is interested in receiving any information on corrosion on main landing gear slide tubes and carriage assembly bushings in AT-802/AT-802A aircraft with Wipline® 10000A floats. They recommend operators inspect this area and provide information including description of corrosion and available photos. The Airworthiness Concern Sheet lists the FAA point of contact for this information.