Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 208 and 208B airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to install a pilot assist handle, Cessna part number SK208-146-2, for all affected airplanes, install deicing boots on landing gear struts and cargo pod on certain Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes, and make changes to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), and to the POH and AFM Supplement S1 for all affected airplanes. This proposed AD results from reports of several accidents and of problematic events involving the affected airplanes during operations in icing conditions, including nine events in the 2004-2005 icing season, and ground icing conditions. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent ice adhering to critical surfaces. Ice adhering to critical surfaces could result in a reduction in airplane performance with the consequences that the airplane cannot perform a safe takeoff, climb, or maintain altitude.