AD 74-16-08 ACTIVE

74-16-08 PIPER: Amendment 39-1912. Applies to Model PA-30 and Model PA-39 aircraft certificated in all categories except aircraft incorporating Piper Kit Part Number 760 783. Compliance required as indicated.

To prevent possible hazards in flight associated with cracking of the aft bulkhead assembly, fuselage station 258, accomplish the following:

1. Within the next 50 hours in service from the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished within the past 50 hours in service, and at intervals not to exceed 100 hours in service from the last inspection, inspect in accordance with paragraph 2.

2. Remove the tail cone and visually inspect, with five times power minimum magnification, the aft bulkhead assembly, fuselage station 258, Part Number 22893-00 on Model PA-30 and Model PA-39, Serial Nos. 39-1 through 39-83 or Part Number 22893-06 on Model PA-39, Serial Nos. 39-84 and up, for cracks in the area of the aft fin attachment brackets.

3. If cracks aredetected, repair in accordance with Fin Attachment Bracket Installation Kit, Piper Part Number 760 783 or equivalent prior to further flight, except that the airplane may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a base where a repair can be made.

4. Upon incorporation of the Fin Attachment Bracket Installation Kit, Piper Part Number 760 783 or equivalent, compliance with the requirements of this AD may be dispensed with.

5. Equivalent repairs must be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA, Eastern Region.

6. Upon submission of substantiating data by an owner or operator through an FAA Maintenance Inspector, the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA, Eastern Region, may adjust the repetitive inspection interval specified in this AD.

(Piper Service Letter No. 679 refers to this subject.)

This amendment is effective August 9, 1974.