AD 76-15-08

76-15-08 PIPER: Amendment 39-2679 as amended by Amendment 39-2724. Applies to: PA-28R-200 serial numbers 28R-7635001 to 28R-7635432 inclusive, PA-32R-300 serial numbers 32R-7680001 to 32R-7680437 inclusive. NOTE: All PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200 and PA-32R-300 airplanes that have had the Nose Gear Trunnion Assembly (Piper part number 67054-00V) replaced with one supplied by the manufacturer between August 1, 1975, and August 1, 1976, must also comply with this airworthiness directive.

Compliance required prior to the next flight unless already accomplished. Aircraft located in a non-servicing area may be flown (gear extended) to a service facility for compliance with this airworthiness directive after nose gear trunnion has been visually inspected and a determination made that no obvious cracks exist on the trunnion ear to which the nose landing gear arm spring is attached. NOTE: This initial inspection may be performed by the pilot or by other persons authorized to perform preventive maintenance under FAR 43.

If cracks are found, the airplane may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a base where the repair can be performed.

To prevent possible nose gear collapse accomplish the following:

1. Remove top and bottom engine cowl.

2. Place aircraft on jacks.

3. PA-28R Only - Remove assist springs (part numbers 67168-00V and 67169-00V) from nose gear trunnion (67054-00V) attach lug.

4. PA-32R Only - Remove assist spring (part number 67168-00V), bolt (part number 400 011), and bushings (part numbers 82732-95V & 63900-138V) from nose gear trunnion (67054-00V) attach lug.

5. Install Piper Nose Gear Trunnion Modification Kit 761 074V.

6. Reassemble in reverse order, Steps 3 or 4 (whichever applicable) as outlined above.

7. Install engine cowl.

8. Perform gear retraction and free fall extension to assure proper landing gear operation (refer to PA-28 or PA-32 Service Manual, whichever is applicable.

9. Removeaircraft jacks.

Piper Service Bulletin No. 510, Revision B dated August 31, 1976, covers this same subject.

An equivalent repair may be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, ASO-210, FAA, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320, telephone 404-526-7407.

Amendment 39-2679 became effective August 6, 1976.

This amendment 39-2724 becomes effective September 24, 1976.