The reality is that the fleet of Cessna singles is aging, and a new FAA airworthiness directive is a reminder that focused airframe inspections might be the best defense against corrosion and structural failure.
The latest is FAA AD 2020-21-22, which became effective on Dec. 7, 2020. The issue began with a report of cracks found in the tailcone and horizontal stabilizer attachment structure on a Cessna 185. The FAA then discovered similar conditions on 29 additional Textron Cessna 180- and 185-series airplanes, and determined that the combination of the attachment structure design and high loads during landing contributes to the development of cracks in the tailcone and horizontal stabilizer attachment structure. The meat of the original NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) from May 2020 and this ultimate AD require inspecting the tailcone and horizontal stabilizer for corrosion, cracks and loose or sheared rivets and repairing or replacing damaged parts as necessary. The inspection (and repair if needed) can ultimately avoid a failure of the horizontal stabilizer/tailcone attachment, and worst case—a tail separation in flight. The AD also includes 182A-D models, which was challenged by AOPA and others.