FAA–2023–1812: Prompted By Reports Of Baggage Nets Installed With Defective Buckles, Which May Result In Failure Of The Baggage Net

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 62 airplanes.

This proposed AD was prompted by reports of 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 proposed AD would require identifying and replacing the affected part. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by October 16, 2023.

Supplementary Information: Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Transport Canada AD CF–2021–24, dated July 21, 2021 (referred to after this as the MCAI), to correct 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. received reports of defective buckles installed on the baggage nets on DA 40 NG and DA 62 airplanes. An investigation revealed a quality issue during 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 airplanes. 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. Consequently, they 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. The MCAI mandates the removal and replacement of the affected baggage nets. The MCAI also renders any affected baggage nets not eligible for installation as a replacement part on Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 40, DA 40 D, DA 40 F, DA 40 NG, and DA 62 airplanes.

Previously, the FAA issued AD 2022–13–06, Amendment 39–22092 (87 FR 40435, July 7, 2022) (AD 2022–13–06) to address the unsafe condition on all Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 40, DA 40 F, and DA 40 NG airplanes (including Model DA 40 D airplanes that have been converted to Model DA 40 NG airplanes). AD 2022–13–06 requires removing and replacing the affected baggage nets. The Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 62 airplanes were not included in AD 2022–13–06. This proposed AD would require these same actions on the Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 62 airplanes.

The FAA is proposing 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: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2023-18827-00000000000.0001