AD 2013-13-02 Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

This AD applies to B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, BN2A MK. III-3, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T, and BN-2T-4R airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD: (1) Within the next 30 days after August 1, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the aircraft fuel replenishment points on the top surface of the wings to determine that the fuel filler cap (fuel tank cap) matches the fuel filler receptacle (fuel tank opening) following the instructions of paragraph 6 of Britten-Norman Service Bulletin Number SB 332, Issue 1, dated December 6, 2012. (2) If a mismatch of the fuel filler cap and the fuel filler receptacle is found during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, within 3 calendar months after August 1, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), install the correct fuel filler cap to match the fuel filler receptacle installed on the airplane following the instructions of paragraph 6 of Britten-Norman Service Bulletin Number SB 332, Issue 1, dated December 6, 2012. (3) If a mismatch of the fuel filler cap and the fuel filler receptacle is found during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight and thereafter during each daily pre-flight check, do water contamination checks of the gascolators and fuel tank sump drains, including those of the wing tip tanks if installed. This check is in addition to the normal daily checks already required. (4) The modification required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD terminates the daily pre-flight water contamination checks as specified in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD. (5) After August 1, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), do not install on any airplane a fuel filler cap that does not match the fuel filler receptacle and has the correct seal.

The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: taylor.martin@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as inadequate sealing of the fuel filler cap (fuel tank cap) and the fuel filler receptacle (fuel tank opening). We are issuing this AD to prevent, detect, and correct inadequate sealing of the fuel filler cap (fuel tank cap) and the fuel filler receptacle (fuel tank opening), which could lead to contaminated fuel and result in in-flight shutdown of the engine.

None.