Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-34/31 Stabilator Skin - Inspection 6/79
Applicability: All models PA-34-200 and PA-34-200T.
Requirement: 1. Visually inspect the upper and lower surfaces of the stabilator for skin cracking at the spanwise lap joint at the front spar location. The accompanying sketch shows the area to be inspected. Particular attention should be given to the lower surface.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
2. It is requested that the results of the inspection, even if no damage is discovered, be reported to an Airworthiness Office of the Department so that a thorough assessment of any general problem can be made. It is further requested that the presence or otherwise of a joggle or kink in the skin, as identified in the sketch also be reported to the Department. A verbal report will suffice if no cracking is present.
Compliance: Within 25 hours time in service after 8 June 1979.
Background: Investigations into a recent accident involving an inflight structural break-up have disclosed the presence of an extensive fatigue crack in the lower surface of one side of the stabilator. As the investigation is not yet completed, this inspection is of a precautionary nature intended to assess the extent of any problem.
Overview
The Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes Stabilator Skin - Inspection AD/PA-34/31 was introduced in 1979 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to address a potential safety issue identified in the Piper PA-34-200 and PA-34-200T models. This legislative instrument was enacted in response to an inflight structural break-up accident that led to investigations uncovering an extensive fatigue crack in the lower surface of the stabilator at the spanwise lap joint near the front spar location. The primary objective of this directive is to ensure the safety of these aircraft by mandating a thorough visual inspection of the stabilator skin, with particular attention to the lower surface and the presence of any skin joggle or kink. The results of these inspections are to be reported to an Airworthiness Office of the Department, regardless of whether any damage is found, to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of any general problem. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of time in service after the issuance date of 8 June 1979.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all models of the Piper PA-34-200 and PA-34-200T aircraft series. This regulation mandates that these aircraft undergo a thorough visual inspection of the stabilator's upper and lower surfaces at the spanwise lap joint near the front spar location. Particular emphasis is placed on inspecting the lower surface for any signs of skin cracking, as highlighted in the accompanying sketch. The requirement extends to reporting the findings of this inspection to an Airworthiness Office of the Department, regardless of whether any damage is detected. This reporting is crucial for the Department to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of any potential issues. Furthermore, any observed presence of a joggle or kink in the skin should also be reported, with a verbal report being acceptable if no cracking is found. This directive is a precautionary measure following an investigation into an inflight structural break-up that revealed a significant fatigue crack in the lower surface of the stabilator of a Piper PA-34 series aircraft. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 25 hours of the aircraft being in service after 8 June 1979.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of this legislative instrument, specifically AD/PA-34/31, pertain to the stabilator skin inspection of Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes, namely models PA-34-200 and PA-34-200T (section 1). This directive requires a visual inspection of both the upper and lower surfaces of the stabilator for skin cracking at the spanwise lap joint located at the front spar, with a particular emphasis on the lower surface (section 1(1)). Furthermore, section 1(2) mandates that the results of this inspection, regardless of whether any damage is found, be reported to an Airworthiness Office of the Department. Additionally, any presence of a joggle or kink in the skin, as illustrated in the accompanying sketch, must also be reported.
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties governed by it. Firstly, operators and owners of the specified Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the stabilator skin inspection is conducted within 25 hours time in service after the date of the directive, which is 8 June 1979 (section 1). This requirement is intended to prevent potential structural issues that could compromise the aircraft's safety. Secondly, the results of the inspection must be communicated to the relevant Airworthiness Office, allowing for a thorough assessment of any general problems that may be identified.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Act may result in significant legal consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed within the legislative text, it is reasonable to infer that non-compliance could result in civil or criminal penalties under the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Such penalties could include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and potential criminal charges if non-compliance leads to an aviation incident or accident. The exact penalties would be determined based on the severity of the breach and the specific regulations under which the enforcement action is taken.