AD 2022-13-06 Describes The Unsafe Condition As Baggage Nets Installed With Defective Buckles

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 40, DA 40 F, and DA 40 NG airplanes.

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 baggage nets installed with defective buckles, which may result in failure of the baggage net to restrain the baggage or cargo, which could lead to injury to the occupants in the case of an emergency landing. This AD requires identifying and replacing the affected part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective August 11, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 40, DA 40 F, and DA 40 NG airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2022 (87 FR 20781). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. Transport Canada issued AD CF-2021-24, dated July 21, 2021 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to address an unsafe condition on all Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 40, DA 40 D, DA 40 F, DA 40 NG, and DA 62 airplanes. The MCAI states:

• Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. (DAI) has received reports of defective buckles installed as part of the baggage nets on DA 40 NG and DA 62 aeroplanes. An investigation revealed a quality escape in the manufacturing of the Quick Fix Baggage Net Assembly, part number (P/N) D44-2550-90-00 and P/N D67-2550-90-00_02, by the supplier. P/N D44-2550-90-00 baggage nets can also be installed on DA 40, DA 40 D and DA 40 F aeroplanes. The baggage nets installed with defective buckles may not maintain sufficient holding force to restrain the baggage or cargo that is carried in the same compartment as passengers, and consequently, may not provide adequate means to protect the passengers from injury. 
• This condition, if not corrected, could result in the failure of the baggage net to restrain the baggage or cargo, which could lead to injury to the occupants in the case of an emergency landing. 
• DAI undertook a voluntary campaign to replace all defective Quick Fix Baggage Net Assemblies. However, DAI was unable to complete the campaign in its entirety, and therefore, a number of aeroplanes with defective baggage nets that have not yet been replaced, remain in operation. 
• As a result, DAI issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 40-093, MSB D4-110, MSB F4-039, MSB 40NG-065 and MSB 62-028, providing accomplishment instructions to replace the defective Quick Fix Baggage Net Assemblies. 
• This [Transport Canada] AD mandates the removal and replacement of the affected baggage nets. This [Transport Canada] AD also renders any affected baggage nets not eligible for installation as a replacement part on DA 40, DA 40 D, DA 40 F, DA 40 NG and DA 62 aeroplanes. 

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0450. 3  In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require identifying and replacing affected baggage nets. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the baggage net to restrain the baggage or cargo. This unsafe condition, if not corrected, could result in injury to occupants in the case of an emergency landing.

FMI: www.regulations.gov