AD 2014-06-06 Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA Airplanes

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

This AD applies to SOCATA TBM 700 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(4) of this AD on any airplane with the landing gear actuators part number (P/N) T700A3230050000, P/N T700A323005000000, or P/N T700A323005300000 installed: (1) Within the next 8 months after May 2, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), perform a detailed visual inspection (DVI) of the pistons and rods of the nose landing gear (NLG) and left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) main landing gear (MLG) actuators and measure the distance following the Accomplishment Instructions in DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-197, dated April 2013. (2) Within the next 8 months after May 2, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), perform a DVI of the ball joint centering of the NLG and LH and RH MLG actuators and measure the ball joint mismatch following the Accomplishment Instructions in DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-206, dated April 2013. (3) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required in paragraphs (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the affected actuator or rod end assembly if applicable with an airworthy part following the applicable Accomplishment Instructions in DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-197, dated April 2013; and/or DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-206, dated April 2013. (4) As of May 2, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), do not install on any airplane a landing gear actuator P/N T700A3230050000, P/N T700A323005000000, or P/N T700A323005300000, unless it is found to be in compliance with the inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD. The landing gear actuator must be installed when doing these inspections.

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: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4119; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: albert.mercado@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 the landing gear actuator rod and piston becoming unscrewed during operation and the landing gear actuator ball joint becoming uncrimped. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies in the pistons/rods and the ball joint centering of the nose landing gear and main landing gear, which could result in landing gear failure and lead to damage of the airplane and occupant injury.

None.