AD/M20/32 Amdt 6 Fuselage Tubular Structure (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/M20/32 Amdt 5 and issues the following 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.

Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes

AD/M20/32 Amdt 6 Fuselage Tubular Structure 10/2006

Applicability:

Models and Serial numbers listed in Mooney SB M20-208B.

Requirement:

1.    For all models manufactured prior to 1976:

Action in accordance with Mooney SB M20-208B, Part A.

2.    For all models manufactured subsequent to 1 January 1976:

Action in accordance with Mooney SB M20-208B, Part B.

Compliance:

1. and 2. As specified in the Requirement Document.

This Amendment becomes effective on 28 September 2006.

Background:

Amendment 1 referenced Rev A of the Requirement Document which extended the area subject to inspection.  The Authority has also received reports of extensive corrosion in areas of the fuselage beyond that subject to inspection by the original SB. 

Amendment 2 referenced Rev B of the Requirement Document which clarified criteria and procedures.

Amendment 3 clarified SB Parts A and B applicability.

Amendment 4 was issued to require the removal of all exposed insulation blankets on the side of the cabin to allow a more thorough inspection at the next AD compliance, and thereafter at three year intervals.  This action was in response to a recent report of severe corrosion of the fuselage tubular structure which resulted in the grounding of the affected aircraft and extensive repairs.  The corrosion was, to a great extent, hidden by the installed insulation blankets.

Amendment 5 was issued to align this Directive with the Requirement Document Applicability.

Amendment 6 is issued to re-align this Directive with the Requirement Document Compliance.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

18 August 2006