AD 2015-07-03 Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes

Makes named: cessna. Models named: 402C, 414A. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Cessna Aircraft Company Model 402C airplanes, serial numbers 402C0001 through 402C1020, and Model 414A airplanes, serial numbers 414A0001 through 414A1212, certificated in any category.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

At the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD, inspect each engine mount beam using radiographic (x-ray), eddy current, and visual methods following the Accomplishment Instructions in Cessna Aircraft Company Multi-engine Service Letter No. MEL-54-01, dated March 20, 2015. If total hours time-in-service (TIS) on an engine mount beam is unknown, use the airplane's total hours TIS. (1) For each engine mount beam that has accumulated less than 20,000 hours TIS, initially inspect at whichever of the following that occurs later and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS as long as no cracks are found: (i) At or before the accumulation of 15,000 hours TIS on each engine beam; or (ii) Within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within the next 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (2) For each engine mount beam that has accumulated 20,000 hours TIS but no more than 24,999 hours TIS, initially inspect at whichever of the following that occurs first and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS as long as no cracks are found: (i) Within the next 75 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD; or (ii) Within the next 60 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) For each engine mount beam that has accumulated 25,000 hours TIS but no more than 30,000 hours TIS, initially inspect at whichever of the following that occurs first and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS as long as no cracks are found: (i) Within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD; or (ii) Within the next 45 days after the effective date of this AD. (4) For each engine mount beam that has accumulated more than 30,000 hours TIS, initially inspect at whichever of the following that occurs first and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS as long as no cracks are found: (i) Within the next 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD; or (ii) Within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on the engine mount beams. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the engine mount beams, which could lead to engine separation with consequent loss of power and loss of control.

None.