AD 2021-22-03 Requires Repetitively Inspecting The NLG Actuator Attachment Lever For Cracks And Damage

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model DA 42, DA 42 NG, and DA 42 M-NG airplanes.

This AD was prompted by 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 identifies the unsafe condition as failure of the nose landing gear (NLG) actuator attachment lever and detachment from the NLG leg. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the NLG actuator attachment lever for cracks and damage and taking any necessary corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective December 21, 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 all Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model DA 42, DA 42 NG, and DA 42 M-NG airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2021 (86 FR 41786). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2019-0066, dated March 27, 2019 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH (Austria) and Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. (Canada) Model DA 42, DA 42 M, DA 42 NG, and DA 42 M-NG airplanes.

The MCAI states:

• An occurrence was reported of a failed NLG actuator attachment lever, resulting in disconnection from the NLG leg. When the landing gear (LG) was retracted, the NLG actuator interfered with the rudder control rods, forcing the rudder into left-hand deflection. After lowering the LG, full rudder control was restored. The investigation results showed that the actuator lever failed due to a crack that had developed over a longer time period.
• This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to restricted rudder travel in LG retracted configuration, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, [Diamond Aircraft Industries] DAI issued the applicable [mandatory service bulletin] MSB, providing instructions to inspect the affected part.
• For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of the NLG leg actuator attachment lever and, depending on findings, replacement of the NLG leg.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0602.

FMI: www.regulations.gov