Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16981 · Stabilizers
Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. (Mooney) Airplanes
This AD applies to Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. (Mooney) Models M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, M20J, M20K, M20L, M20M, M20R, M20S, and M20TN airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
We are issuing an airworthiness directive (AD) for all Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. (Mooney) Models M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, M20J, M20K, M20L, M20M, M20R, M20S, and M20TN airplanes that supersedes an existing AD that is applicable to certain Model M20R and M20TN airplanes. The existing AD currently requires inspecting the tail pitch trim assembly for correct positioning and proper attachment and inspecting the Huck Bolt fasteners for proper security with repair as necessary for certain Models M20R and M20TN. That AD also requires sending the inspection results to the FAA and Mooney. This AD retains all of the actions, except the reporting requirement from the previous AD and adds airplane models to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a report of an incident on a Mooney Model M20TN airplane regarding failure of the tail pitch trim assembly, which could result in loss of control. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
Within the next 10 hours time-in-service March 20, 2012 (after the effective date of this AD), inspect the trim fitting, hinge, and filler plate of the tail pitch trim assembly for correct positioning and proper attachment; and also inspect that the Huck Bolt fasteners are properly secured following Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. Service Bulletin No. M20-313A, dated February 29, 2012.
If during the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD you find incorrect positioning or improper attachment of the trim fitting, hinge, and filler plate of the tail pitch trim assembly; and/or you find loose or improperly installed Huck Bolt fasteners, before further flight, repair and correct the discrepancies following Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. Service Bulletin No. M20-314A, dated February 29, 2012.
(1) This paragraph provides credit for inspections required in paragraph (g) of this AD if already done before March 20, 2012 (the effective date of this AD) following Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. Service Bulletin No. M20-313, dated February 7, 2012.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for repairs required in paragraph (h) of this AD if already done before March 20, 2012 (the effective date of this AD) following Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. Service Bulletin No. M20-314, dated February 10, 2012.
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.
