Ad/TBM 700/53 - R700 and R701 Shunts - Power Lead Bolts (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.

Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes

AD/TBM 700/53 R700 and R701 Shunts - Power Lead Bolts 10/2009

Applicability:	TBM700 N aeroplanes with serial number (S/N) 434 to 502 inclusive and S/N 504 and 505.
Requirement:	Unless accomplished previously, replace shunt R700 and R701 power lead bolts in accordance with the accomplishment instructions of SOCATA Service Bulletin No.70-169 initial issue dated May 2009 or later revision approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Note:  EASA AD 2009-0174 refers.
Compliance:	Within 100 hours time in service or 12 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 24 September 2009.
Background:	The EASA has advised that an elongation of bolts connecting power leads on R700 and R701 shunts was noticed on the assembly line.  An incorrect tightening torque value is likely to be the cause of the elongation.
This condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to heating, electrical arcing and/or smoke and could result in an in-flight loss of electrical power.  For this reason, this Directive mandates the replacement of the power lead bolts on R700 and R701 shunts.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 August 2009