Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18359 · Wings
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-500TP airplanes, serial numbers 4697001 through 4697528, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-500TP airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of the wing upper skin joints being manufactured without sealant, which allows water to enter and stay in sealed, bonded stringers. This AD requires inspecting the upper wing surface for sealant; inspecting the wing stringers for water intrusion; inspecting for deformation and corrosion if evidence of water intrusion exists; and taking corrective actions as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after February 17, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) or 12 months after February 17, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, inspect the upper skin joints for adequate sealant following Part I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015. No further action per this AD is required if adequate sealant is already applied.
If you find missing or inadequate sealant during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, inspect for evidence of water intrusion/moisture following Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015.
(1) If no evidence of water intrusion/moisture is found during the inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(2) If evidence of water intrusion/moisture is found during the inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions required in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.
If you find, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, before further flight, inspect for corrosion following Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015.
(1) If no evidence of corrosion is found during the inspection required in paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(2) If evidence of corrosion is found during the inspection required in paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, obtain and implement an FAA-approved corrective action approved specifically for this AD. At the operator's discretion, assistance may be provided by contacting Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address identified in paragraph (p)(3) of this AD. After obtaining and implementing an FAA-approved corrective action, approved specifically for this AD, before further flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD.
If you find, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, before further flight, do a visual inspection for skin or stringer deformation.
(1) If no evidence of deformation is found during the inspection required in paragraph (j) of this AD, before further flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(2) If any visible deformation is found during the inspection required in paragraph (j) of this AD, before further flight, obtain and implement an FAA-approved corrective action, approved specifically for this AD. At the operator's discretion, assistance may be provided by contacting Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address identified in paragraph (p)(3) of this AD. After obtaining and implementing an FAA-approved corrective action, approved specifically for this AD, before further flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD.
If any inspection required by paragraphs (g) through (j) of this AD reveals discrepancies (no sealant/inadequate sealant, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, corrosion, or deformation), before further flight, after completing any necessary corrective actions, rework wing stringers and seal skin joints following Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015.
Actions done before February 17, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) following Part I and Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262, dated October 16, 2013, or Part I and Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262A, dated November 14, 2013, as applicable, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (k) (including subparagraphs) of this AD. Additional inspections beyond Service Bulletin No. 1262 are required to fully comply with paragraph (j) of this AD.
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.
