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 1900 Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 1900/48
Wing Rear Spar Lower Cap Inspection
11/2006 TX
 
Applicability:
Model 1900 aircraft, serial number UA-3.
Model 1900C aircraft, serial numbers UB-1 through UB-74, UC-1 through UC-174, and UD-1 through UD-6.
Model 1900D aircraft, serial numbers UE-1 through UE-439.

Requirement:
1.    Accomplish a one-time visual inspection of both the left and right wing rear spar lower caps for cracks and for other damage such as loose or missing fasteners, in accordance with the procedures in the Appendix to FAA AD 2006-18-51.
If any cracks or other damage is found during the required inspection, before further flight, repair in accordance with an approved repair scheme.
Report the inspection results to CASA within 72 hours of completion of the inspection.
2.    To accomplish the inspection, the aircraft may be operated to return/position to a home base, hangar, maintenance facility, etc.
The following limitations are imposed for such a repositioning flight:
a.     Only the pilot and any additional crew member required for safe operation is allowed for this flight;
b.    Flight into known or forecast moderate or severe turbulence is prohibited; and,
c.     Indicated airspeed is limited to 175 knots maximum.
Note:  FAA Emergency AD 2006-18-51 refers.

Compliance:
1.    At whichever occurs later after receipt of this Directive:
Within 24 hours, or before further flight.
2.    Up to a maximum of 3 hours time in service, provided the flight is operated within 30 days after the effective date of this Directive.

 
 
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 2 September 2006.

Background:
The FAA received recent reports of cracks discovered in the wings of two Model 1900D aircraft.  During routine maintenance, the wing rear spar lower caps and rear spar web were found to have significant cracks.  The Raytheon Structural Inspection Manual requires a thorough inspection of the wing rear spar at 17,500 hours time in service, with repetitive inspections at intervals of 3,000 hours time in service.  One aircraft had accumulated 19,126 hours time in service, and there were no discrepancies recorded from the initial inspection at 17,500 hours time in service.  Early indications show similar cracking on the other aircraft.  Analysis indicates that similar cracks could also develop in the wings of other Model 1900 aircraft.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
1 September 2006