AD 86-21-08

86-21-08 SOCATA: Amendment 39-5444. Applies to Models TB10 and TB20 (Serial Numbers 1 through 342, 344 through 381, 383 through 413, 415 through 422, 424, 430, 431, 433, and 439 through 441) airplanes certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required within 50 hours time-in-service or 60 days, whichever occurs first, from the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent possible structural damage and loss of airframe integrity, accomplish the following: (a) Visually inspect the fuselage area under the battery tray for damage caused by battery electrolyte leaks. (1) If damage exists, before further flight, repair the damage or replace the damaged component(s) in accordance with Advisory Circular No. 43.13-1A and applicable manufacturer's maintenance information and modify the battery tray as specified in paragraph (a) (2) below. (2) If damage does not exist, modify the battery tray in accordance with the instructions in the "DESCRIPTION" Section1 of SOCATA Service Letter No. 18 dated February 1985.

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

(c) An equivalent means of compliance with this AD may be used if approved by the Manager, Aircraft Certification Staff, AEU-100, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.

All persons affected by this AD may obtain copies of the documents referred to herein upon request to SOCATA Groupe Aerospatiale, B.P. 38, 65001 Tarbes, France, or FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

This amendment becomes effective on October 24, 1986.