AD 86-18-10

86-18-10 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-5446. Applies to Model PA-42-1000 (S/N's 42-5527002 through 42-5527033) airplanes certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required within the next 10 hours time in service after receipt of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent loss of power and wing damage accomplish the following:

(a) Fabricate a checking device from 3/8 inch O.D. polyethylene plastic tubing, 48 inches in length with a wall thickness of approximately 0.060 inches.

NOTE 1: Polyethylene tubing is used in plumbing and air conditioning installations and may be found in hardware stores. Other types of plastic tubing may not work due to friction buildup.

(b) Chamfer the end of the tube which will be inserted into the vent lines. Mark the tube at a point 40 inches from the chamfered end.

(c) Remove the vent well covers located on top of the left and the right wing tip tanks.

(d) Insert the checking device into each wingtip tank vent line up to the 40 inch mark.

(e) If the checking device can be inserted to the 40 inch mark, the vent line is clear. Reinstall the vent well covers. No further action is required.

(f) If the checking device cannot be inserted to the 40 inch mark, prior to further flight:

(1) Drain the fuel from the airplane on the affected side(s).

(2) Remove the forward outboard access cover from the bottom of the left and/or right wing(s) as required.

(3) Visually inspect the affected tip tank vent lines for blockage or deformation.

(4) Remove the fuel cap on the affected tip tank(s), depress the antisiphon flapper valve and using a light and mirror, visually inspect the upper portion of the wing tip tanks fuel vent line for blockage or deformation.

(5) Replace any lines found blocked or deformed.

(6) Reinstall the wing access plates with the sealant specified in the airplane maintenance instructions.

(7) Fuel the airplane and check for leaks.

NOTE 2: Piper Telex Service Bulletin No. 846, dated August 26, 1986, applies to the subject of this AD.

(g) Airplanes may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where this AD may be accomplished.

(h) Within five (5) days of accomplishing this AD, report, in writing, all defects found during accomplishment of this AD to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1075 Inner Loop Road, College Park, GA 30337. (Reporting approved by the Offices of Management and Budget under OMB No. 2120-0056.)

(i) An alternate method of compliance which provides an equivalent level of safety, may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of the documents referred to herein upon request to Piper Aircraft Corporation, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; or FAA, Office of Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Thisamendment becomes effective on October 27, 1986, to all persons except those to whom it has already been made effective by priority letter from the FAA dated September 4, 1986, and is identified as AD 86-18-10.