FAA-2023-1893 Is An Extension Of The Comment Period For The Referenced NPRM

This document announces an extension of the comment period for the referenced NPRM, which proposed the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain FS 2001 Corp, FS 2002 Corporation, FS 2003 Corporation, Piper, and Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) airplanes.

This NPRM invited comments concerning the proposed requirement of replacing any rudder equipped with a rudder post made from a certain carbon steel with a rudder equipped with a rudder post made from a certain low-alloy steel. This extension of the comment period is necessary to provide all interested persons an opportunity to present their views on the proposed requirements of this NPRM.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain FS 2001 Corp, FS 2002 Corporation, FS 2003 Corporation, Piper, and Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) airplanes, as listed in the NPRM. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 6, 2023 (88 FR 69556). The NPRM was prompted by reports of two non-fatal accidents involving airplanes designed and built by Piper that were caused by broken rudder posts that structurally failed above the upper hinge in flight. Both accidents occurred in Anchorage, Alaska. The first accident occurred on June 8, 2020, and involved an FS 2003 Model PA–12 airplane and the second accident occurred on July 23, 2021, and involved an FS 2002 Model PA–14 airplane. Both airplanes sustained substantial damage when the rudder structurally failed. After examination, it was determined that the rudder posts fractured above the upper hinge, the top portion of the rudder folded over the upper tail brace wires, and the rudder posts were made from 1025 carbon steel and fractured due to fatigue. This condition, if not addressed, could result in a broken rudder and consequent reduced ability of the flight crew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing any rudder equipped with a rudder post made from 1025 carbon steel with a rudder equipped with a rudder post made from 4130N low-alloy steel.

FMI: www.regulations.gov