AD/Beech 1900/47 Elevators (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Beechcraft 1900 Series Aeroplanes

AD/BEECH 1900/47 Elevators 12/2005 DM

Applicability:

Model 1900 aircraft, serial number UA-3.

Model 1900C aircraft, serial number UB-1 through UB-74, UC-1 through UC-174.

Model 1900C aircraft, serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6.

Model 1900D aircraft, serial numbers UE-1 through UE-439.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect all elevator hinge support attachments on both left and right elevators for loose or missing rivets; as specified in Raytheon Aircraft Company Safety Communique No. 261 dated August 2005, following the applicable Raytheon Aircraft Company Maintenance Manual, Chapter 5-20-07 and Structural Repair Manual, Chapter 51-40-02.

If loose or missing rivets are evident, replace affected rivets before further flight.

2.    Inspect the elevator hinge joints for looseness and the clearance of each elevator to its stabiliser; as specified in Raytheon Aircraft Company Safety Communique No. 261, following the applicable Raytheon Aircraft Company Maintenance Manual, Chapter 5-20-07.

If looseness of the elevator hinge joints or incorrect clearance between the elevators and their stabilisers is evident, correct the discrepancies before further flight.

Note:  FAA AD 2005-18-21 Amdt 39-14262 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within 50 hours time in service after 4 October 2005.

2.    Within 50 hours time in service after 4 October 2005.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 4 October 2005.

Background: The FAA received a report of an incident where the pilot of a Model 1900D aircraft experienced a binding elevator control column during takeoff.  The pilot was able to free the control column.  Inspection revealed a missing rivet and other loose rivets on the outboard hinge attachment that attaches the elevator to the horizontal stabiliser.  The elevator counterweight horn showed evidence of rubbing against the horizontal stabiliser, indicating possible incorrect clearance.  Loose rivets were found on other aircraft of the same type design.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

29 September 2005