2024-10-04: Wing, Attach Fittings

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2024-10-04 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-22749; Docket No. FAA-2024-1302; Project Identifier AD-2024-00213-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 6, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-28-181, PA-28R-201, PA-34-220T, and PA-44-180 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers as identified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413, dated April 9, 2024 (Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5740, Wing, Attach Fittings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a double-drilled bolt hole of the rear wing spar attachment fitting found during an unscheduled inspection of an airplane due to a ground collision with an automobile. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the reduction of strength of the part to below its limit load. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in separation of the wing and loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, remove the wing fastening hardware securing the aft spar attachment and do the inspection and applicable corrective actions in accordance with Part II, paragraphs 2, 3, 4b, 4c, 5, and 6, of the Instructions in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413, except the corrosion inspection and corrosion corrective actions are not required by this AD. (2) If, during the inspection specified in Part II, paragraph 3, of the Instructions in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413, as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any discrepancy is found, before further flight, do an inspection of the bolt holes common to the forward spar attachment for wear that exceeds the specified limits, and before further flight replace any component that has a bolt hole that exceeds the specified limits, in accordance with Part II, paragraph 7, of the Instructions in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413. (3) If it is determined that the corrective actions required by paragraph (g)(1) or the replacement required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD are necessary, submit a report to the FAA at the address referenced in paragraph (j) of this AD. The report must include the airplane registration and serial number, airplane hours time-in-service, a description of the condition discovered, the wing or wings affected, and a description of the replacement or corrective action performed. Submit the report at the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) If the action was done on or after the effective date of this AD, submit the report within 10 days after the action was done. (ii) If the action was done before the effective date of this AD, submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD. (h) Special Flight Permits A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 provided the following limitations identified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) are adhered to: (1) Minimum Crew Only (no passengers); (2) Do not exceed the design maneuvering speed as defined in the applicable existing pilot's operating handbook (POH). (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, East Certification Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the East Certification Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (j) of this. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (j) Additional Information Fred Caplan, Aviation Safety Engineer, East Certification Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5507; email: 9-ASO-ATLACO-ADs@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413, dated April 9, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: (772) 567-4361; email: customerservice@piper.com; website: piper.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on May 16, 2024. James D. Foltz, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. Issued on May 16, 2024. James D. Foltz, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-11143 Filed 5-16-24; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P