Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13891 · Mooney Aircraft Corporation Models M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, and M20J Airplanes
Mooney Aircraft Corporation Models M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, and M20J Airplanes
This AD affects Models M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, and M20J airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
(1) certificated in any category;
(2) equipped with an O & N Bladder Fuel Cell installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2277CE or STC SA2350CE; and
(3) This AD affects Model M20B airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any category and have any of the STCs referenced in paragraph (c)(2) incorporated by field approval.
The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Mooney Aircraft Corporation (Mooney) Models M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, and M20J airplanes equipped with an O & N Bladder Fuel Cell installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2277CE or STC SA2350CE. The STCs apply to all the affected airplane models except for Model M20B airplanes. Model M20B airplanes could have one of the STCs incorporated by field approval. This AD requires you to inspect the drain valve to assure that it is inserted fully into the drain nipple and modify any drain valve found not to be inserted fully into the drain nipple. This AD also requires certain modifications and replacements on the affected fuel cells to reduce the chances of water/ ice contamination. This AD is the result of reports of rainwater entering the fuel bladders and the information from the subsequent evaluation of the fuel systems. The actions specified by this AD are intended to assist in preventing water from entering the fuel bladders, which could result in rough engine operation or complete loss of engine power.
To address this problem, you must do the following:
| Actions | Compliance | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| (1) On both the left and right wing, inspect the drain valve to assure that it was inserted fully into the drain nipple | Within the next 12 months after January 21, 2005 (the effective date of this AD), unless already done (see Note 1) | Follow O & N Aircraft Modifications Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. ON-100, dated February 1, 1998. |
| (2) Modify any drain valve found not to be inserted fully into the drain nipple | Prior to further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, unless already done (see Note 1). | Follow O & N Aircraft Modifications Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. ON-100, dated February 1, 1998. |
| (3) On both the left and right wing do the following: (i) Install a foam wedge to reduce the amount of trapped fluids in the center fuel cell; (ii) Install an anti-ice mast forward of the vent tubes to prevent icing of the fuel tank vents; (iii) Drill a vent hole to prevent icing of the engine's crankcase breathers; and (iv) Replace the flush style fuel caps and adapters with raised style caps and adapters. Follow the instructions in paragraph (f) of this AD as an alternative method of compliance for replacing the flush style fuel caps | Within the next 12 months after January 21, 2005 (the effective date of this AD), unless already done (see Note 1). | Follow O & N Aircraft Modifications Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. ON-100, dated February 1, 1998. |
Note 1: All kits installed by (or obtained from) O&N Aircraft Modifications Inc. after February 1, 1998, incorporate the actions of this AD. If you have one of these kits installed, you may take “unless already done” credit for the actions of this AD.
Instead of replacing the flush style fuel caps as required in paragraph (e)(3)(iv) of this AD, you may do a preflight fuel system check prior to each flight. To do this, you must insert the following “Pilot Operating Procedures—Preflight Fuel System Check” (paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(3), and (f)(4) of this AD) into the Limitation Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM):
(1) Place a suitable container under the fuel strainer drain outlet prior to operating the strainer drain control for at least 4 seconds. Check strainer to ensure drain is closed.(2) Inspect the fluid drained from the fuel strainer and each wing tank quick drain for evidence of fuel contamination in the form of water, rust, sludge, ice, or any other substance not compatible with fuel. Also check for proper fuel grade before the first flight of each day and after each refueling. If any contamination is detected, comply with paragraph (f)(4) of this AD.
(3) Repeat steps in paragraph (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD on each wing tank quick drain.
(4) If the airplane has been exposed to rain, sleet, or snow, or if the wing fuel tanks or fuel strainer drains produce water or other contamination, you must purge the airplane fuel system to the extent necessary to ensure that there is no water, ice, or other fuel contamination.
You may request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments and will send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Paul O. Pendleton, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4143; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
