AD 77-13-21

77-13-21 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-2946 as amended by Amendment 39-3093. Applies to airplane models PA-24, PA-24-250, and PA-24-260; model PA- 24-400, except S/N 1; and models PA-30 and PA-39, certificated in all categories. For aircraft having 1000 hours or more in service on the effective date of this AD, compliance is required within the next 100 hours in service, and for aircraft having less than 1000 hours in service, compliance is required prior to 1100 hours in service, unless already accomplished in either case.

To prevent collapse of the landing gear after manual extension;

(a) Accomplish the inspection described on page 3 of Piper Aircraft Corporation Service Letter No. 782A, dated March 21, 1977, and replace components exceeding the specified wear limits, or an equivalent inspection and replacement procedure approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA Eastern Region.

(b) Inspect the main landing gear bungee cords for frayed protective covering, breaks, soft areas, and replace cords exhibiting these conditions. In addition, replace cords every 500 hours in service, or every three years, whichever occurs first.

(c) Repeat paragraph (a) at each 1000 hours in service after the prior inspection, and repeat paragraph (b) at each 500 hours in service after the prior inspection, or within one year after the prior inspection, whichever occurs first.

(d) Airplanes may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a base where repairs can be performed.

The Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch may adjust the inspection interval upon submission of substantiating data submitted through an FAA maintenance inspector.

Amendment 39-2946 became effective July 6, 1977.

This amendment 39-3093 is effective December 16, 1977.