AD 2020-19-10 Describes The Unsafe Condition As Insufficient Sealing Of A Steering Select/Bypass Valve

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes.

This AD results from 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 insufficient sealing of a steering select/bypass valve installed in the nose landing gear (NLG) manifold. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective November 3, 2020.

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 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 5, 2019 (84 FR 26025). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD No. 2017-0229, dated November 21, 2017 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), which states: An occurrence was reported of finding insufficient sealing of a Steering Select/Bypass Valve installed on the nose landing gear (NLG) Steering Manifold of a P.180 aeroplane.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to uncommanded deflection of the NLG wheel, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane on the ground, with consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to occupants. To address this potential unsafe condition, PAI issued Service Bulletin (SB) 80-0325 to provide inspection and rectification instructions. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a leak test of the NLG Steering Manifold and, depending on the finding(s), accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). This [EASA] AD also requires amendment of the applicable Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).

The MCAI further notes that airplanes with NLG steering manifold part number 72608 installed are known to include manufacturing serial numbers 1001, 3001, 3003, 3004, 3006, 3007, and 3008, and also include airplanes that have incorporated Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin No. 80-0425, Revision 0, dated March 30, 2017, and Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin No. 80-0454, Revision 0, March 6, 2017.

FMI: www.regulations.gov