AD 2021-04-10 Requires Repetitively Inspecting The Inboard And Outboard Elevator Torque Tube Attachments

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company) Models 208 and 208B airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of loose elevator torque tube attach fasteners.

This AD requires repetitively inspecting the inboard and outboard elevator torque tube attachments for loose or incorrectly installed fasteners, replacing all fasteners if loose or incorrectly installed fasteners are found, and reporting the inspection results to the FAA. This AD also includes optional actions to terminate the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective April 12, 2021.

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 certain Textron (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company) Models 208 and 208B airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 22, 2020 (85 FR 59457). The NPRM was prompted by reports of loose elevator torque tube attach fasteners on low flight time Textron Model 208B airplanes. Textron identified a quality escape affecting certain serial-numbered Model 208 and 208B airplanes. Fastener holes in the inboard and outboard elevator torque tube connections may have been oversized and fasteners at the inboard and outboard torque tube connections may have been installed incorrectly.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting the inboard and outboard elevator torque tube attachments for loose or incorrectly installed fasteners, replacing all fasteners if loose or incorrectly installed fasteners are found, and reporting the inspection results to the FAA. The NPRM also proposed optional actions to terminate the repetitive inspections. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the elevator torque tube fasteners, leading to loss of elevator control and loss of controlled flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov