MTD- 04-2026 Issue 1 - Vans Fuel Pick Up Failure

Following consultation on the draft Mandatory Technical Directive (MTD), we have published the final MTD-04-2026 Issue 1, effective 28 July 2026.

This MTD relates to confirming which aircraft have embodied Van’s SB 06-2-23, requiring wire locking of the fuel pick-up assemblies in the wing fuel tanks, or have the later T-715 anti-rotation brackets fitted. It follows a recent incident involving a Van’s RV-6 suffering a fuel starvation event in flight, due to a fuel pick-up tube becoming detached after the retaining nut had come undone. Upon inspection, it was found that the wire locking had not been incorporated and the airframe logbook did not show an entry confirming compliance with SB 06-2-23.

Owners are required to review their aircraft records and, where compliance with SB 06-2-23 cannot be confirmed, nor the fitment of T-715 anti-rotation brackets, Owners must complete the inspections and actions specified in the MTD within the next 25 flying hours or at the next Permit to Fly revalidation, whichever occurs first.

Compliance with this MTD must be recorded in the aircraft airframe logbook. If applicable, the entry must also state compliance with Van’s SB 06-2-23 or the fitment of T-715 anti-rotation brackets. Otherwise, there must be a logbook entry, signed by the Owner, explaining why SB 06-2-23 has not been embodied, or T-715 anti-rotation brackets fitted.

Please refer to MTD-04-2026 Issue 1 document for full identification guidance and compliance requirements HERE and is also available below.