Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13672 · Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A Series Airplanes
Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2006-17-06. Comply with the one in force.
Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A series airplanes; certificated in any category; on which Aerospatiale Modification 4440 has been accomplished; except those Model ATR42-500 series airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 618 and subsequent; and except those Model ATR72-212A series airplanes having S/Ns 682, 683, 684, 687, and 694 and subsequent.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the upper closing rib of the vertical fin, related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent interference between the upper closing rib and the rudder, which could result in a rudder jam and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
