Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18785 · Electrical power/electrical power system wiring
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-31T, serial numbers (SN) 31T-7400002 through 31T-8120104; PA-31T1, SNs 31T-7804001 through 31T-8304003 and SNs 31T-1104004 through 31T-1104017; PA-31T2, SNs 31T-8166001 through 31T-8166076 and 31T-1166001 through 31T-1166008; PA-31T3, SNs 31T-8275001 through 31T-8475001 and 31T-5575001; and PA-31P-350, SNs 31P-8414001 through 31P-8414050; certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31T3, and PA- 31P-350 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed visual inspections of the wiring below the main circuit breaker panel for proper clearance and evidence of damage and rerouting or replacing wires and/or parts as necessary. This AD was prompted by a fatal accident where evidence of thermal damage in this area was found. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Within 30 days after February 22, 2017 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months, do a detailed visual inspection of the wiring in the area below the main circuit breaker panel using mirrors, a suitable light source, and other equipment (small cameras, borescopes, and magnification, etc.,) as needed to do the visual inspection of the area. Follow paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1301, dated January 6, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: You may begin the repetitive inspections before 12 calendar months after the initial inspection to coincide the repetitive inspection with the annual inspection.
(2) If any damage and/or rubbing or chafing is found during any of the inspections required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, reroute, rework, or replace any wires as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1301, dated January 6, 2017.
(3) Perform a functional test after any inspection required by this AD as specified in paragraph 4 of the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1301, dated January 6, 2017.
(4) The Summary section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1301, dated January 6, 2017, states to contact the Factory Authorized Piper Service Facility to make arrangements for compliance with the service bulletin. Any appropriately licensed mechanic may do the work of this AD. Please note that to receive any warranty credit from Piper, the work may need to be done at the Factory Authorized Service Facility.
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.
