AD 2013-19-11 Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Airplanes

Makes named: diamond. Models named: DA 42, DA 42 NG, DA 42 M-NG. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Models DA 42, DA 42 NG, and DA 42 M-NG airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD: (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service after October 31, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) or 6 calendar months after October 31, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, inspect the NLG actuator to identify the part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N). If a NLG actuator P/N X11-0006/2 is installed with a S/N between 0001 and 0155 (inclusive), modify the actuator by replacing the NLG rod end bearing and safety washer with new parts. Follow the INSTRUCTIONS section of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Work Instructions WI-MSB 42-099 and WI-MSB 42NG-035 (co-published as one document), Revision 1, dated May 3, 2013, as specified in the Accomplishments/Instructions paragraph of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletins MSB 42-099/1 and MSB 42NG-035/1 (co-published as one document), dated May 3, 2013. (2) As of October 31, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), do not install on any airplane an NLG actuator P/N X11-0006/2 with a S/N between 0001 and 0155 (inclusive), unless the actuator has been modified following the INSTRUCTIONS section of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Work Instructions WI-MSB 42-099 and WI-MSB 42NG-035 (co-published as one document), Revision 1, dated May 3, 2013, as specified in the Accomplishments/Instructions paragraph of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletins MSB 42-099/1 and MSB 42NG-035/1 (co-published as one document), dated May 3, 2013.

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: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: mike.kiesov@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 insufficient clearance between the rod end safety washer and the nose landing gear (NLG) attachment lever causes the rod end to bend at each gear retraction sequence. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct insufficient clearance between the rod end safety washer and the NLG attachment lever, which may cause the NLG actuator to break and possibly restrict rudder control, resulting in loss of control.

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