AD 2016-26-09 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, BN-2T-4R, BN-2T, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on Type Certificate Data Sheets A17EU and A29EU) airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (5) of this AD: (1) For all airplanes that are equipped with pitot/static pressure head part number (P/N) DU130-24, except Models BN-2T and BN-2T-4R: Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 19, 2016 (the effective date retained from AD 2016-06-01) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the pitot/static pressure head for cracks and/or separation and perform a leak test following the procedures in the action section of Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated September 25, 2015. (2) For Models BN-2T and BN-2T-4R that are equipped with pitot/static pressure head part number (P/N) DU130-24: Within 50 hours TIS after February 9, 2017 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the pitot/static pressure head for cracks and/or separation and perform a leak test following the procedures in the action section of Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated September 25, 2015. (3) For all airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head part number (P/N) DU130-24: If any discrepancies are found during an inspection or test required in paragraph (f)(1) or (2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the pitot/static pressure head with an airworthy part. (4) For all airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head part number (P/N) DU130-24: Corrections performed on airplanes as required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD do not constitute terminating action for the repetitive actions required in paragraph (f)(1) or (2) of this AD. (5) For all airplanes not equipped with a pitot/static pressure head P/N DU130-24 on February 9, 2017 (the effective date of this AD): After April 19, 2016 (the effective date retained from AD 2016-06-01), do not install a pitot/static pressure head P/N DU130-24.

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: Raymond Johnston, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4159; fax: (816) 329-3047; email: raymond.johnston@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) issued 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 cracks in the inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads, which could cause incorrect readings on the pressure instrumentation, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to change the model applicability due to errors found in AD 2016-06-01.

This AD supersedes AD 2016-06-01, Amendment 39-18432 (81 FR 13717; March 15, 2016) (“AD 2016-06-01”).