AD 78-10-01

Airworthiness directive · Lower Rudder Torque Tube · United Aircraft of Canada Ltd. PT6 series engines (Staggerwing Museum Foundation STC SA1016WE or 2 others)

Effective
May 17, 1978
Models
3N, 3NM, C-45G, C-45H, D18C, D18S and 7 more
Data sheet
TCDSA-765
Registered aircraft
243 matched by model
Product
Aircraft · Small airplane
Amendment
39-3210

Unofficial copy of the text in the FAA’s Dynamic Regulatory System. The FAA’s own copy is the authoritative one. DRS record last changed January 21, 2026.

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The airworthiness directive

78-10-01 BEECH: Amendment 39-3210. Applies to Beech Models D18C, D18S, E18S, E18S-9700, G18S, H-18, C-45G, TC-45G, C-45H, TC-45J (SNB-5), JRB-6, 3N, 3M and 3NM modified in accordance with STC SA1243WE, SA1016WE, or SA360WE.

To preclude failure of the lower rudder torque tube, accomplish the following; unless already accomplished:

(a) Within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD visually inspect the lower rudder torque tube for cracks in the area of the access hole as noted in figure 1 of this AD. (Reference Part Number 452606-7).

(b) If no cracks are found, reinspect at intervals not to exceed 30 days from the prior inspection.

(c) If cracks are found, prior to further flight:

(1) If any crack exceeds 1/2 inch in length, replace with a like serviceable unit, Part Number 452606-7, and reinspect per paragraph (d);

(2) If cracks are 1/2 inch or less in length, repair per a method approved by the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAAWestern Region, and reinspect per paragraph (d);

(d) Reinspect at intervals not to exceed 30 days from repair, replacement, or prior inspection.

(e) The requirements of this AD may be terminated when modifications are incorporated which are approved by the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division. Submit proposed modifications schemes to:

Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division FAA Western Region P.O. Box 92007 Worldway Postal Center Los Angeles, California 90009

for review and approval.

This amendment becomes effective May 17, 1978.

Affected TCDS · 1

The type certificate data sheets for the models this AD names, matched by model and maker.

Registered aircraft · 243

Registered aircraft whose airframe or engine model this AD names. Matched by model only, so check each against the AD’s applicability.

By aircraft maker
  • Beech243 aircraft
By year built
19421996
Registered aircraft by year built: 182 aircraft
19422
19432
19441
19454
194616
19472
19482
19491
19502
19519
195223
19537
195413
19557
19568
195714
19588
195917
196011
19616
19627
19632
19647
19656
19661
19692
19791
19961

61 with no year recorded

By model

Aircraft

See all 243 aircraft