AD 2003-21-04 Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 208 and 208B Airplanes

Makes named: cessna. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

(c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:   Model Serial No. 208 20800001 through 20800369. 208B 208B0001 through 208B1014, 208B1017, 208B1018, 208B1020 through 208B1024, 208B1026, and 208B1029 through 208B1033.

(e) To address this problem, you must accomplish the following, unless already accomplished (compliance with Cessna Caravan Service Bulletin CAB03-11, Revision 1, dated September 24, 2003):   Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Inspect the right inboard forward flap bell crank assembly for cracks, deformation, and missing/incomplete welds. The affected flap bell crank incorporates one of the following part numbers (P/N): (i) P/N 2622083-18; (ii) P/N 2622281-2; (iii) P/N 2692001-2; or (iv) P/N 2622281-12. Within the next 25 landings after October 21, 2003 (the effective date of this AD). If landings are unknown, then you may multiply hours time-in-service (TIS) by 1.25. For the purposes of this AD, you may substitute 20 hours TIS for 25 landings. Use a flashlight and a mirror as necessary to see if welds (1), (4), (5), and (6) exist and are at least 0.06-inch thick around the full circumference of the shaft. These welds and the inspection procedures are referenced in Figure 1, details A, B, and C; and Views A-A and B-B of Cessna Caravan Service Bulletin CAB03-11, Revision 1, dated September 24, 2003. (2) If you find cracks, deformation, or missing/incomplete welds during the inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, then accomplish one of the following: (i) Replace the flap bell crank with a P/N 2622311-7 flap bell crank; or (ii) Prohibit the use of flaps through the actions of paragraph (f) of this AD. Replace or do the flap prohibition actions prior to further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. If you choose the flap prohibition, you must have the replacement done within 200 hours TIS after the inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. After the new flap bell crank (2622311-7) is installed, the Temporary Revision 208PHTR02, dated September 23, 2003, should be removed. Replacement: Use the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Caravan Service Bulletin No.: CAB02-12, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2003, and the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Caravan Service Kit No.: SK208-148A, dated January 27, 2003. Flap Prohibition: Use the information in the Temporary Revision 208PHTR02, dated September 23, 2003. The action is referenced in Cessna Caravan Service Bulletin CAB03-11, Revision 1, dated September 24, 2003.

(d) This AD is the result of reports of cracks and missing/incomplete welds in the right inboard forward flap bell crank. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the right inboard forward flap bell crank due to cracks, deformation, or missing/incomplete welds. Such failure could lead to damage to the flap system and surrounding structure and result in reduced or loss of control of the airplane.