Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes

AD/PC-12/43 Crew Seats Bucket Assembly Tubes 11/2004 DM

Applicability: All Model PC-12 and PC-12/45 aircraft, equipped with Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. pilot seats, Pilatus part numbers 9593001111, 9593001121, 9593001131, and 9593001133, and co-pilot seats Pilatus part numbers 9593001112, 9593001122, 9593001132, and 9593001134; which have accumulated 6,000 hours or more time in service as at the effective date of this Directive.

Requirement: Perform a fluorescent dye-penetrant inspection to detect cracks at the grooved area of the left hand and right hand bucket assembly tubes of the pilot and co-pilot seats, in accordance with Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 25-031, dated 21 July 2004, or later revision approved by FOCA. Report the inspection findings to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. If during the inspection cracks are detected, before further flight, replace the affected bucket assembly. Contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. for a replacement repair procedure.

Note: Switzerland FOCA AD HB-2004-329 refers.

Compliance: Within 2 calendar weeks after 1 September 2004. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 1 September 2004.

Background: A report was received of the failure of a crew seat’s bucket assembly tubes, which was detected during a maintenance inspection. Investigation revealed the tubes failed at the location of the energy device pins. The lower tubes remained attached, but the upper parts were completely disconnected. This could lead to reduced ability of the pilots to control the aircraft.

FMI: http://www.casa.gov.au/avreg/aircraft/ad/ADfiles/Under/PC-12/PC-12-043.pdf