AD NUMBER: 2011-23-10

MANUFACTURER: ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2011-23-10
ACTION: Final rule

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This AD results from 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:

One ATR operator has experienced in-flight elevator travel limitations with unusual effort being necessary on pitch axis to control the aeroplane, while the "pitch mistrim" message appeared on the ADU [advisory display unit] display. The elevators seemed to be jammed.

During the post-flight inspection, it was discovered that the LH [left-hand] elevator lower stop assembly was broken at the level of the angles, which may have prevented the elevator to respond normally to the flight control input.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to reduced control of the aeroplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 15, 2011

FMI: AD