The FAA has issued two airworthiness directives (ADs) that will take effect on April 26. One expands the applicability of an inspection requirement to additional Piper single-engine airplanes in the PA-28 line; the other mandates replacement and repetitive inspection of an elevator-trim component on some Cessna twin-engine models.
AD 2016-07-24 supersedes a previous AD by extending to additional serial numbers of certain PA-28-161, PA-28-181, and PA-28R-201 airplanes a requirement to inspect the right wing rib at wing station 140.09 for cracks and take necessary corrective action. The AD retains the requirements of the previous AD 2015-20-13, and was prompted by reports that additional airplanes have been found with the same cracks, the FAA said, adding that it issued the new AD to correct an unsafe condition.
The FAA estimates that 720 U.S.-registered aircraft are added to the AD’s applicability.
AD 2016-07-21 pertains to Cessna (Textron Aviation) models 310 through 310R, E310H, E310J, T310P through T310R, 310J-1, 320 through 320F, 320-1, 335, 340, 340A, 401 through 401B, 402 through 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, and 421 through 421C airplanes. It requires replacement and repetitive inspections of the hardware securing the elevator trim push-pull rod.
“This AD was prompted by lessons learned in accident investigation support, analysis of past accidents, and NTSB determinations of probable cause. That information indicates that following the loss of the attachment hardware connecting the elevator trim tab actuator to the elevator trim tab push-pull rod, the elevator tab may jam in a position outside the normal limits of travel,” the FAA said.
About 5,088 Cessna twins are estimated to be affected.
AOPA urges all aircraft owners to keep track of and comply with all ADs pertinent to their aircraft.