Applicability: Model DA 40 aircraft, serial numbers 40.006 and subsequent; Model DA 40 D aircraft, serial numbers 40.080, 40.084, and D4.001 and subsequent; Model DA 40 F aircraft, serial numbers 40.F001 and subsequent, and 40.FC001 and subsequent.

Requirement: Inspect the nose landing gear leg in accordance with Diamond Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB40-046 or MSBD4-046, as applicable; or later EASA approved revisions.

Note: Austrian CAA AD A-2005-005 refers.

Compliance: For aircraft operated on unsealed runways:
Within 25 hours time in service after 1 December 2005 or before 31 December 2005, whichever occurs first; and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service.

For aircraft operated mainly on sealed runways:
Within 100 hours time in service after 1 December 2005, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours time in service.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 1 December 2005.

Background: A report was received of nose landing gear failure in the area of the nose gear leg pivot axle. Investigation revealed a fatigue crack had initiated in the pivot axle. The aircraft involved was used in training and mostly operated on grass runways.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au