AD 2021-22-22 Requires Replacing The NLG Piston Tube

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2006T 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 a manufacturing defect in the nose landing gear (NLG) piston tube. This AD requires replacing the NLG piston tube. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective December 3, 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 Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2006T airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2021 (86 FR 47422). 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 2019-0043, dated March 6, 2019 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2006T airplanes.

The MCAI states:

• Failures of NLG piston tubes P/N 26-8-1408-1 were reported during ground operations. Subsequent investigation determined a deficiency in NLG piston tube manufacturing process. It was also determined that only a specific batch is affected by this defect.
• This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of the NLG, possibly resulting in loss of control on the ground, during or after landing, with consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, TECNAM issued the [service bulletin] SB to provide instructions for the replacement of each affected part with a part that was manufactured by an improved process.
• For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires removal from service of the affected parts.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0700.

FMI: https://www.regulations.gov