Device for sensing load relief by a secondary path of a flight control actuator having a primary path and a secondary path capable of relieving the load of the primary path in the event of a breakdown thereof, the primary path comprising a screw, the screw terminating in a fastener of the primary path, the secondary path comprising an emergency load relief rod passing through the screw, this rod terminating in a male shape which, when the primary path is carrying the load, is accommodated inside of a female shape of a fastener of the secondary path, characterized in that at least one sensing element is disposed on the male shape terminating the rod, on the female shape or between both of these two shapes, this sensing element being designed to wear down due to the friction between the male shape and the female shape, when the secondary path is loaded and is relieving the load, this sensing element being connected or capable of being connected to means capable of sensing wear on this sensing element and of triggering an alarm when such wear is sensed.