AD 92-13-04

92-13-04 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-8274. Docket No. 91-CE-95-AD. Supersedes AD 90-23-18, Amendment 39-6782.

Applicability: Models PA-23-150 and PA-23-160 airplanes (serial numbers 23-1 through 23-2046) that have not been modified by the installation of a dual fuel drain kit, part number 765- 363, in accordance with the instructions in Part II of Piper Service Bulletin No. 827A, dated November 4, 1988, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required within the next 180 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent rough engine operation or complete power interruption caused by water contamination in the fuel, accomplish the following:

(a) Incorporate paragraphs 1 through 5 of the Aircraft Systems Operating Instructions that are contained in Part I of Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 827A, dated November 4, 1988, into the Owner Handbook and Pilots Operating Manual.

NOTE 1: Paragraphs 6 and 7of the Handling and Servicing instructions that are contained in Part I of Piper SB No. 827A, dated November 4, 1988, are covered by AD 88-21-07 R1.

NOTE 2: If more than one tablespoon of water is found in the fuel during preflight draining procedures, then it is recommended that fuel draining procedures be repeated after the wings are rocked or the airplane has been put in a nose-down attitude. If water continues to be found, drainage and inspection of the fuel tanks is recommended.

(b) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1669 Phoenix Parkway, Suite 210C, Atlanta, Georgia 30349. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

NOTE 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

(d) The procedures required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 827A, dated November 4, 1988. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from the Piper Aircraft Corporation, Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street, NW; Room 8401, Washington, D.C.

(e) This amendment supersedes AD 90-23-18, Amendment 39-6782.

(f)This amendment becomes effective on August 21, 1992.