Summary
This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA- 38-112 airplanes with serial numbers (S/N) 38-80A0166 through 38- 82A0122. The proposed action would require repetitively replacing the upper rudder hinge bracket, part number (P/N) 77610-03. Reports of fatigue cracks occurring on the upper rudder hinge bracket (P/N 77610- 02), and the manufacture of a new upper rudder hinge bracket (P/N 77610-03) with a life limited improved design prompted the proposed action. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent cracks in the upper rudder hinge bracket, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in separation of the rudder from the airplane and loss of control of the airplane.