AD 2021-04-10 Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation, Inc. Airplanes

Makes named: textron aviation, cessna. Models named: 208, 208B. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company) Model 208 airplanes, serial numbers 20800564 through 20800594 and 20800603 through 20800605; and Model 208B airplanes, serial numbers 208B5141 through 208B5285, 208B5287 through 208B5305, 208B5307 through 208B5312, 208B5314, 208B5316 through 208B5344, 208B5346 through 208B5350, 208B5353, 208B5354, 208B5356 through 208B5359, 208B5362 through 208B5366, 208B5401, 208B5403, 208B5404, and 208B5408; certificated in any category.

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

(1) At the following compliance times, inspect each inboard and outboard elevator torque tube attach fastener for looseness and fretting by following sections 2.C. and 2.D. of Task 27-30-00-290, Left and Right Elevator Torque Tube Attach Points (Borescope) Special Detailed Inspection, dated October 1, 2018, of the Cessna Model 208 Maintenance Manual. You must also inspect for incorrectly installed fasteners. (i) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 800 hours time-in-service (TIS) as of the effective date of this AD, complete the initial inspection before the airplane accumulates 800 hours TIS or within 200 hours TIS after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs later. Thereafter, repeat the visual inspection at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS until the airplane has accumulated 4,000 hours TIS or until all 48 elevator torque tube attach fasteners are replaced, whichever occurs first. (ii) For airplanes that have accumulated 800 or more hours TIS but less than 4,000 hours TIS as of the effective date of this AD, complete the initial inspection within 200 hours TIS after the effective date of the AD. Thereafter, repeat the visual inspection at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS until the airplane has accumulated 4,000 hours TIS or until all 48 elevator torque tube attach fasteners are replaced, whichever occurs first. (iii) For airplanes that have accumulated 4,000 or more hours TIS as of the effective date of this AD, complete a one-time visual inspection within 200 hours TIS after the effective date of the AD. No repetitive inspections are required after completion of the one-time visual inspection. (2) If there are any loose, fretting, or incorrectly installed fasteners, remove the elevator and replace all 48 elevator torque tube attach fasteners (24 per side, with 12 each on the inboard and outboard elevator torque tube attach point) before further flight. Maintain proper alignment by marking each part prior to removal and by replacing one fastener at a time. Replacing all 48 fasteners is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD. (3) If all 48 fasteners were replaced before the effective date of this AD by following the instructions in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, then the initial and recurring inspections detailed in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD are not required provided you report the information required by paragraph (h) of this AD.

This AD was prompted by reports of loose elevator torque tube attach fasteners. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct loosening and eventual failure of the elevator torque tube attach fasteners. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of elevator control, resulting in loss of control of the airplane.

None.