AD 79-12-01

79-12-01 MAULE AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-3478. Applies to certain M-4 and M-5 series aircraft. Serial Numbers are: M-4 Series: 4 to 94, 1001 to 1045, 1S to 3S, 1T to 3T, 1C to 11C; M-4-210C: 1001C to 1117C; M-4-220S: 2001S; M-4-220C: 2001C to 2190C; M-4-180C: 3001C to 3006C; M-5 series: M-5-210C: 6001C to 6206C: M-5-220C: 5001C to 5057C; M-5-235C: 7001C to 7283C; M-5-180C: 8001C to 8004C; M-5-210TC: 9001C, airplanes certificated in all categories.

Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent failure of the horizontal tail-to-fuselage front attach tube, accomplish the following within 25 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD, or 60 days after the effective date whichever occurs first:

1. Inspect the horizontal tail-to-fuselage front attach tube in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (5) of Maule Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin No. 1, dated May 3, 1979, or later revision approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA, Southern Region.

2. If cracks are found, obtain replacement parts from Maule Aircraft Corporation and replace in accordance with Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1A prior to further flight.

3. Modify the horizontal tail-to-fuselage front attach tube in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of Maule Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin No. 1, dated May 3, 1979, or later revision approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA, Southern Region.

4. Make appropriate maintenance record entry.

5. An equivalent method of compliance may be used if approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA, Southern Region.

This amendment is effective June 7, 1979.