Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19467 · Wings
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
This AD applies to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-07-26, which applied to all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 airplanes. AD 2006-07-26 required a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies (e.g., cracking, loose/sheared fasteners, distortion) on the left-hand and right-hand wings, of the outer wing box upper skin and upper rib feet, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 2006- 07-26, after initial findings had suggested the cracking was isolated to a few airplanes, we received reports of cracking in these same areas on other Model ATR42 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies on the left-hand and right-hand wings, of the outer wing box upper skin and upper rib feet, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within the initial compliance time specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 48 months or 6,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first: Do a detailed visual inspection for discrepancies on the left-hand and right-hand wings, of the outer wing box upper skin and upper rib feet, between rib 24 and rib 29. Do the inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-57-0074, Revision 01, dated January 8, 2018.
If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. Do the repair within the compliance time specified in the approved repair method.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD: Report all findings (both positive and negative) of the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional, using the information in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-57-0074, Revision 01, dated January 8, 2018.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after performing the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
Unless the repair instructions specify otherwise, repair of an airplane as required by paragraph (h) of this AD is not considered terminating action for the repetitive detailed visual inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
