AD 78-12-06

78-12-06 PIPER: Amendment 39-3242 as amended by amendment 39-3461. Applies to Piper Aircraft Corporation Model PA-31T aircraft, S/N 31-7620012 and up, certificated in all categories, equipped with nose landing gear wheel assembly, Piper P/N 551-778, Cleveland P/N 40-120A.

To detect cracks in the nose landing gear wheel, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to next flight visually check the nose wheel cup and flange area for cracks. If a crack is found, replace the wheel with an airworthy part of the same P/N or Piper P/N 551- 758, B. F. Goodrich P/N 3-1331, equipped with a tubeless tire, size 18 x 4.4, 6 ply rating or Piper P/N 551-782, B. F. Goodrich P/N 3-1076. Check may be accomplished by pilot.

(b) Repeat paragraph (a) prior to each flight.

(c) When wheel of Piper P/N 551-758, B. F. Goodrich P/N 3-1331 or Piper P/N 551- 782, B. F. Goodrich P/N 3-1076 is installed, repeat inspections of paragraph (b) may be discontinued.

(d) Record results of each check in aircraft log or continuous inspection manual.

Amendment 39-3242 was effective June 22, 1978.

This amendment 39-3461 is effective May 9, 1979.