AD NUMBER: 2009-12-12

MANUFACTURER: ATR Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2009-12-12

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from 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 describes the unsafe condition as:

• Identification of an unsafe condition related to the loss of the fail-safe design criteria for the rudder trim, pitch trim and stick pusher control functions after a reported event led in April 2008 to the release of AD 2008-0062 to mandate the ATR modification No. 05780.
• It has appeared that some airplanes manufactured and delivered before April 1, 2008, may have received on the production-line a partial or incorrect implementation of the required ATR mod. No. 05780. 
• The unsafe condition is loss of the rudder trim, pitch trim, and stick pusher control, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

FMI: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/247D0BEE505E9E7E862575D3004B081E?OpenDocument