78-11-10 SHORT BROTHERS LIMITED: Amendment 39-3218. Applies to Model SD3-30 airplanes, certificated in all categories.
Compliance required as indicated.
To detect cracking and prevent possible failure of the main landing gear downlock stop, P/N 17780-1 or -3, which could result in collapse of the gear, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to accumulating a total of 2000 landings or within the next 50 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, unless already accomplished within the last 450 landings, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 landings, inspect the downlock stop for cracks using a dye penetrant method of inspection in accordance with paragraph 7, "Accomplishment Instructions", and figure 1 of the Menasco Manufacturing Service Bulletin 32- 18, Revision 1, dated October 13, 1977, or an FAA approved equivalent.
(b) If a crack is found during an inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, exceptthat the airplane may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to a base where the repair can be performed -
(1) Replace the downlock stop with a new part of the same part number and continue to inspect in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD; or
(2) Replace the stop as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD.
(c) The inspections required by this AD may be terminated upon replacement of the downlock stop, P/N 17780-1 or -3, with a stop, P/N 17780-5, in accordance with paragraph 10, "Accomplishment Instructions", of Menasco Manufacturing Service Bulletin 32-7, Revision 1, dated October 12, 1977, or an FAA approved equivalent.
NOTE: Short Brothers Limited Service Bulletins SD3-32-25 and SD3-32-18 cover this same subject.
This amendment becomes effective June 6, 1978.