# AD 83-19-03: Lower Spar Cap Inspection

- Type: Airworthiness directive
- Status: Current
- Products: Piper PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, PA-24-400, PA-30 and PA-39
- Effective: September 30, 1983
- Published: September 27, 1983
- Issued: September 15, 1983
- Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD
- Product type: Aircraft, Small airplane
- Amendment: 39-4730
- Registered aircraft: 3,192 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/8112D4D0999EB304862569A6005C96D0.0001
- DRS record last changed: November 21, 2025
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/83-19-03

## The airworthiness directive

83-19-03 PIPER: Amendment 39-4730. Applies to Models PA-24-180/250/260 (S/N 24-1 and up); PA-24-400, (S/N 26-2 and up); PA-30 (S/N 30-2 thru 30-2000); and PA-39 (S/N 39-1 thru 39-155) airplanes certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent wing lower main spar cap damage and possible cracks in this component where it enters the fuselage at the lower wing root fairing, accomplish the following:

a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect the lower spar cap for chafing damage and cracks in accordance with the Instructions Section of Piper Service Bulletin 751 dated May 24, 1983.

b) Prior to further flight, polish out any chafing damage or replace parts which are cracked or that have chafing damage which cannot be polished out within the depth limits specified in the Instructions Section of Piper Service Bulletin 751 dated May 24, 1983, with a serviceable part.c) Prior to reinstallation, trim the lower portion of the seal plates in accordance with the Instructions Section of Piper Service Bulletin 751 dated May 24, 1983.

d) Aircraft may be flown in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation 21.197 to a location where this AD can be accomplished.

e) An equivalent method of compliance with this AD may be used, if approved, by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Room 202, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 11581.

This amendment becomes effective on September 30, 1983.

## Affected data sheets (2) (OpenAirDocs)

The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names.

- [TCDS 1A15](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/1A15): Piper Aircraft Inc.; names 4 of 4 models: PA-24, PA-24-260, PA-24-250, PA-24-400
- [TCDS A1EA](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A1EA): Piper Aircraft Inc.; names 2 of 3 models: PA-30, PA-39

## Registered aircraft it may apply to (OpenAirDocs)

Matched by airframe and engine model; the AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment.

- Aircraft: 3,192 (3,192 by airframe model, 0 by engine model)
- Makers: Piper 3,192

Models with the most aircraft:

- [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250): 1,222 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Piper PA-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-30): 878 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Piper PA-24-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-260): 590 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Piper PA-24](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24): 345 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Piper PA-39](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-39): 82 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Piper PA-24-400](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-400): 75 aircraft (airframe model)

All 6 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/83-19-03/models.md
Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/83-19-03/aircraft.md

Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs.

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