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 39.1 (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.
Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SWSA226/93 Rudder Gust Lock 12/2003 TX
Applicability: All Fairchild SA 226 and SA 227 aircraft fitted with rudder gust lock plunger assembly Part Number (P/N) 27-70066-001.
Requirement: 1. Remove from service rudder gust lock plunger assembly P/N 27-70066-001 in accordance with Aircraft Maintenance Manual; and
- Install a serviceable rudder gust lock plunger assembly with less than 4000 flight hours time since new (TSN);
or
b. i. Provide gust protection to the rudder by means of an external rudder lock; and
ii. Fit a placard to the cockpit visible to the flight crew detailing instructions to ensure that the external rudder lock has been removed before flight; and
iii. Place a copy of this Directive in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM). Compliance: For rudder gust locks plunger assemblies with less than 7900 flights hours TSN;
before reaching 8000 flight hours TSN.
For rudder gust locks plunger assemblies with more than 7900 flight hours TSN; within 100 flight hours from the effective date of this Directive.
Where the flight hours cannot be established for the rudder gust lock plunger assembly P/N 27-70066-001 then the TSN of the aircraft on which the plunger assembly is fitted is to be used.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 24 September 2003.
Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SWSA226/93 (continued)
Background: This Directive is in response to a failure of the rudder gust lock plunger assembly that locked the rudder whilst the aircraft was in flight. This mode of failure adversely affects the aircraft controllability and hence the safety of flight. Subsequent inspections of other aircraft have revealed instances of cracking of the rudder gust lock plunger assembly that may lead to similar modes of failures. This Directive provides for interim measures to be taken whilst corrective actions are being developed.
Neville Probert
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 19 September 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 24 September 2003.