Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14553 · Aerospatiale Model ATR42 Airplanes
Aerospatiale Model ATR42 Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2018-21-09. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Aerospatiale Model ATR42 airplanes. This AD requires one-time inspections to detect discrepancies (e.g., cracking, loose/sheared fasteners, distortion) of the upper skin and rib feet of the outer wing boxes, and repair if necessary. This AD results from a report of cracking on the upper skin and ribs of the outer wing box on an in- service airplane. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct these discrepancies, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Before the accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles, or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later: Do an external detailed inspection for discrepancies of the upper skin panels of the outer wing box on the left and right wing, from rib 24 to rib 29. Do the inspection in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-57-0064, dated December 16, 2004.
(1) If any discrepancy is found: Before further flight, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Repair using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent).
(ii) Do the internal inspection in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) If no discrepancy is found: Within 4 months after doing the external detailed inspection, do the internal inspection in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) or (f)(2) of this AD: Inspect for discrepancies of the rib feet from rib 24 to rib 29 using one of the inspection methods specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. Do the inspection in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-57-0064, dated December 16, 2004. If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by this paragraph: Before further flight, repair using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, or the DGAC (or its delegated agent).
(1) A borescopic inspection through access doors.
(2) A detailed inspection after removing the leading edge of the wing.
Although Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR42-57-0064, dated December 16, 2004, specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
