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AD/BEECH 95/34 - Forward Elevator Cable

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AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 95/34
Forward Elevator Cable
4/2012
 
Applicability:
All Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) aeroplanes fitted with the forward elevator control cable configuration as detailed in figure 1 of this AD.

Requirement:
1.    Inspect the forward elevator control cable assembly for wear, broken wires and corrosion; or replace the forward elevator cable assembly.
2.    Remove from service any forward elevator control cable assembly found to be defective as a result of inspection conducted in accordance with Requirement 1 of this AD.
3.    Do not install on any aircraft a cable assembly or parts thereof that have been removed in accordance with Requirements 1 or 2 of this AD.
Note 1:  Inspections carried out in accordance with FAA AC 43-13-1B, chapter 7, Section 8, paragraph 7-149(d) or Beechcraft maintenance data are an acceptable means of compliance for the inspection called up by Requirement 1 of this AD.

Compliance:
For Requirement 1.
For those aircraft that have not had the forward elevator cable assembly replaced or inspected within the last maintenance release period.  Before further flight after the effective date AD.
For those aircraft located where the inspection cannot be carried out - one positioning flight (pilot only) is allowed to a place where the inspection can be carried out.
Aircraft that have previously had the forward elevator cable assembly replaced or inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements or FAA AC 43-13-1B, chapter 7, Section 8, paragraph 7-149(d) are in compliance with Requirement 1 of this AD.

 
 
 
 
 
For Requirement 2.  Before further flight.
For Requirement 3.  After the effective date of this AD.

 
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 27 February 2012.

Background:
CASA has received a report describing a forward elevator cable failure (separation) immediately prior to take-off.  The elevator remained firmly in the full ‘down’ position due to system spring tension.
A second aircraft was inspected at the owner’s request immediately following the discovery of the failed cable.  The forward elevator cable in this aircraft was found to be extensively frayed in the same location as the failed cable.
Since the original issue of this AD, applicable to other Beechcraft models, CASA has received reports of 5 more cables found to be unserviceable.  CASA has determined that this aircraft model may be fitted with the same of forward elevator control configuration.
This AD requires an inspection or replacement of any forward elevator cable that has not been carried out during the period prior to the issue of the last maintenance release.  This inspection is required to preclude the unanticipated failure of the elevator flight control system which may result in loss of control of the aircraft.
The manufacturer has recently published Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness (ICA) relating to the elevator control system.  Those ICA are considered satisfactory to ensure the failure of the elevator cable does not occur provided that the ICA is adhered to during the inspection process.

 


 
Figure 1 - Forward Elevator Control Cable - Adapted
from Beechcraft Illustrated Parts Catalogue

Peter Boyd
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
23 February 2012