Pilatus P3 Wing Bolt AD
Swiss Confederation
Airworthiness Directive (AD) FOCAAD
HB-2016-007
Effective Date 03 October 2016 Pilatus – P3
FOCA TCITCDS No: None
Issue Date: 19 September 2016
ATA Chapter: ATA 57- Wings
Subject: Fuselage — Main Frame 3 — Wing to Fuselage Attachment Bolts — Inspection

Manufacturer(s): Pilatus Flugzeugwerke AG
Applicability: Model P3-03 and P3-05 aircraft all Serial Numbers (SIN).
Reason:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to a report of corrosion of a wing to fuselage attachment bolt The corrosion was detected during an inspection of the fleet leader aircraft. The corrosion of the wing to fuselage attachment bolt can occur when water is entering into the aircraft structure: for example with an open canopy in raining conditions.
Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to stress corrosion cracking in the affected bolts and will prejudice the structural integrity of the aircraft.
In order to correct and control the situation this AD requires a one-time inspection of the wing to fuselage attachment bolts for corrosion and cracking and if corrosion and/or cracks are found, replace the affected wing to fuselage attachment bolts with new bolts.
Required Action(s) and Compliance Required as indicated below, unless already accomplished:
Time(s): (1) Within the next 50 Flight Hours (FH) or at the next annual inspection,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove the wing to fuselage attachment bolts as described in “Technisches Reglement der Fliegertruppe 56.199d” (the technical description and operating instructions of the Swiss Air Force) and perform a visual inspection for corrosion and a dye penetrant inspection for cracks. No corrosion and/or cracks are permitted.
Note I: For the inspection of the attachment bolts it is not necessary to remove the wings from the fuselage.