AD 2022-05-13 Prompted By A Report Of In-Flight Smoke And Fire That Initiated From The Windshield Heat Power Wire Braid

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda) Model HA-420 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by a report of in-flight smoke and fire that initiated from the windshield heat power wire braid. This AD requires incorporating temporary revisions into the airplane flight manual (AFM) and the quick reference handbook (QRH) that modify procedures for windshield heat operation until the affected windshield assemblies are replaced. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective April 18, 2022. 

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 certain serial-numbered Honda Model HA-420 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2021 (86 FR 54126). The NPRM was prompted by a report of in-flight smoke and fire that initiated from the windshield heat power wire braid on a Honda Model HA-420 airplane.

An investigation identified that certain Honda Model HA-420 airplanes could have a severed windshield heat power wire braid from installation of the windshield heat wiring during manufacture. The severed windshield heat power wire braid could cause arcing that ignites the wire sheathing and sealant and the windshield acrylic. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to cockpit smoke and fire. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require incorporating temporary revisions into the AFM and the QRH that modify procedures for windshield heat operation until the affected windshield assemblies are replaced. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov