AD 2014-03-18 Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

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

Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(4) of this AD: (1) Within the next 6 months after April 1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), do a one-time inspection of the engine control cable assemblies, part number (P/N) 137835, P/N 172449-1, P/N 17250, and P/N 172451, and surrounding areas for damage (cracking, distortion, corrosion) and correct cable end-fitting and to assure the wire locking is intact following Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited Service Bulletin No. SB 334, Issue 1, dated August 30, 2013. (2) If no discrepancies are found during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, inspect the control linkages for proper adjustment and, before further flight, make any necessary changes following Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited Service Bulletin No. SB 334, Issue 1, dated August 30, 2013. (3) If any discrepancies are found during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and/or the control linkages cannot be properly adjusted as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the engine control cable assembly with a serviceable unit following Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited Service Bulletin No. SB 334, Issue 1, dated August 30, 2013. (4) After April 1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), do not install on any airplane engine control cable assemblies, part number (P/N) 137835, P/N 172449-1, P/N 17250, and P/N 172451, unless they are new or have been inspected as required in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD and found free of any discrepancies and have proper adjustment.

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 damage of the cable sliding end assembly and installation of the incorrect end fitting on engine control cable assemblies. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage of the cable sliding end assembly (cracking, distortion, corrosion) and incorrect end fittings on the engine control assemblies, which could lead to reduced engine control with consequent loss of control.

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