EMERGENCY AD ISSUED TODAY ON M20TN and M20R

[rocketman]

[rocketman]

This AD is 2012-03-52 and effects the M20TN serial numbers 29-0465 through 29-0519 and the M20TN seriual numbers 31-0003 through 31-0127. The AD is a result of a M20TN loosing pitch control immediately after take off requiring both the pilot and copilot to push with their knees to prevent stalling the airplane.

[jetdriven]

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/Frameset?OpenPage

[Seth]

 

DATE: February 10, 2012

AD #: 2012-03-52

 

Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-03-52 is sent to owners and operators of Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. (Mooney) Models M20TN and M20R airplanes.

Background

This emergency AD was prompted by a report of an incident on a Mooney Model M20TN airplane regarding the tail pitch trim assembly. In this report, the affected airplane experienced an un-commanded significant pitch up attitude within seconds after takeoff and during the climb. The pilot then pushed the yoke forward and the aircraft still maintained a nose-up attitude.

The pilot stated that the "forces acting on the control column were so large that single pilot wasn't able to handle that for more than just a few minutes." The pilot and copilot had to use their knees to hold forward pressure on the flight controls to aid in preventing a departure from controlled flight. They had to maintain between 80 to 100 percent power to keep the aircraft at about 90 knots indicated airspeed to prevent the airplane from stalling. The only way they were able to descend was to introduce a series of turns.

On Mooney Models M20TN and M20R airplanes, the pitch trim is adjusted by rotating the entire tail assembly. The actuating arm pushes on a hinge fixed to the empennage forward bulkhead. The hinge attaches to the bulkhead using 10 Huck Bolt fasteners with swaged collars.

This aircraft was immediately inspected, and all 10 swaged collars that hold the tail trim assembly together had become unattached.

Mooney inspected several other aircraft and found that on one airplane the filler plate was incorrectly installed. The filler plate was not correctly installed between the aft side of the hinge and the bulkhead. Instead, the filler plate was located on the forward side of the hinge between the hinge and trim fitting. It was then noted the incident aircraft had the same issue, as shown in the upper circle of figure 1.

Because the hinge has a lip on the bottom, on the side toward the bulkhead (as shown in the bottom circle of figure 1), if the filler plate is not installed correctly, the hinge will not fit flush against the bulkhead, the Huck Bolt fasteners will not fit perpendicular to the bulkhead, and the collars will not swage properly. The condition also causes excessive tension pre-load on the Huck Bolts.

 

[JaredDavis]

MAPA list pointed out the new to me SB from Mooney.

I did not know this issue is for all models.

 

"SERVICE BULLETIN M20-313A

SUBJECT: Empennage Trim Fitting And Mounting Hardware Inspection

ALL Mooney M20B - M20C - M20D , M20E - M20F - M20G - M20J - M20K, M20L, M20M, M20R, M20S, M20TN

TIME OF COMPLIANCE:

WITHIN NEXT 10 FLIGHT HOURS - UNLESS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED This is a one time inspection: INTRODUCTION: There have been reports in the field of the trimfiller platemounting (stacked with the trim fitting and trim hinge) positioned incorrectly on theM20J,M20R andM20TNMooney Airplanes.We are issuing this Service Bulletin because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described in SBM20-313 (initial release) is likely to exist in other products of the same type design. This will require an inspection and corrective action taken. The attached compliance card needs to be filled out and returned to Mooney Aviation Company upon completion of this Service Bulletin M20--313A."