AD/DA40/6 Nose Landing Gear Leg (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.

Diamond DA40 Series Aeroplanes

AD/DA40/6 Nose Landing Gear Leg 1/2006 DM

Applicability:

Model DA 40 aircraft, serial numbers 40.006 and subsequent;

Model DA 40 D aircraft, serial numbers 40.080, 40.084, and D4.001 and subsequent;

Model DA 40 F aircraft, serial numbers 40.F001 and subsequent, and 40.FC001 and subsequent.

Requirement:

Inspect the nose landing gear leg in accordance with Diamond Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB40-046 or MSBD4-046, as applicable; or later EASA approved revisions.

Note:  Austrian CAA AD A-2005-005 refers.

Compliance:

For aircraft operated on unsealed runways:

Within 25 hours time in service after 1 December 2005 or before 31 December 2005, whichever occurs first; and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service.

For aircraft operated mainly on sealed runways:

Within 100 hours time in service after 1 December 2005, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours time in service.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 1 December 2005.

Background:

A report was received of nose landing gear failure in the area of the nose gear leg pivot axle.  Investigation revealed a fatigue crack had initiated in the pivot axle.  The aircraft involved was used in training and mostly operated on grass runways.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

29 November 2005