AD 2022-03-01 Requires Removing The Fuel Tank Connection Hoses From Service...

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

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as dissolved or detached fuel tank hose material entering the main fuel tank chambers, which could result in restricted fuel flow with consequent fuel starvation. This AD requires removing the fuel tank connection hoses from service and inspecting the fuel tank connection hoses for damage and detached rubber material. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective March 17, 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 DAI Model DA 42, DA 42 M-NG, and DA 42 NG airplanes with a certain fuel tank connection hose installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 3, 2021 (86 FR 60600). 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 EASA AD 2019-0218, dated September 3, 2019 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to address an unsafe condition on certain DAI Model DA 42, DA 42M, DA 42 MNG, and DA 42 NG airplanes.

The MCAI states:

• Reports were received of dissolved fuel tank connections hoses. Rubber parts were found within the fuel tank. The investigation results showed that the affected parts are limited to 2 isolated batches, some of which were installed on the production line. Other affected parts have been supplied as spare for in-service replacement.
• This condition, if not corrected, could lead to restricted fuel flow from the tank, possibly resulting in fuel starvation and consequent reduced control of the aeroplane.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, DAI issued the applicable MSB [Mandatory Service Bulletin], providing instructions to identify and replace the affected parts. The applicable MSB identifies the MSN [manufacturer serial numbers] of the aeroplanes on which affected parts were installed during aeroplane production. The applicable MSB also indicates that any other aeroplane may be affected, if an affected part supplied as spare was installed.
• For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires removal and replacement of the affected parts, and, if a removed affected part is found damaged, inspection of the fuel tank chambers and removal of any detached rubber material. This [EASA] AD also prohibits (re)installation of any affected parts.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0952.

FMI: www.regulations.gov