AD 2020-13-01 Requires A One-Time Inspection To Determine If An Affected NLG Fork Is Installed

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Daher Aircraft Design, LLC (type certificate previously held by Quest Aircraft Design, LLC), Model KODIAK 100 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in certain nose landing gear (NLG) forks. This AD requires a one-time inspection to determine if an affected NLG fork is installed, repetitive inspections of the affected NLG fork for cracks, repetitive inspections of the shimmy damper bracket for looseness, and of the shimmy damper system for damaged components if an affected NLG fork is installed, and rework/replacement of parts as necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the  unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective August 17, 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 Quest Aircraft Design, LLC (type certificate now held by Daher Aircraft Design, LLC), Model KODIAK 100 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 8, 2018 (83 FR 9820). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks on the NLG fork on Model KODIAK 100 airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time inspection to determine if an affected NLG fork is installed, repetitive inspections of the affected NLG fork for  cracks, repetitive inspections of the shimmy damper bracket for looseness if an affected NLG fork is installed, and rework/replacement of parts as necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent separation of the NLG fork and consequent reduced control on landing. If the NLG fork separates on an unimproved surface, the risk of the NLG digging in and the airplane overturning on the ground increases.

Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the type certificate holder for the Model KODIAK 100 airplane changed from Quest Aircraft Design, LLC (Quest), to Daher Aircraft Design, LLC. This final rule reflects that change and updates the contact information to obtain service documentation.

FMI: www.regulations.gov