Summary
This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated (Fairchild) Models SA226-TC, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), and SA226-AT airplanes. The proposed AD would require inspecting the center flap hinge and wing trailing edge ribs at the flap actuator attach brackets for cracks and if no cracks are found, installing a doubler on the rib, or replacing a cracked rib with a new rib assembly that is reinforced with a doubler. Fatigue cracks at the center flap hinge and the support link has resulted in concentrated stress on the wing trailing edge ribs which prompted the proposed action. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent asymmetrical flap deflection forcing the airplane into an uncommanded roll and could cause loss of control of the airplane.