AD 68-20-04

final rule
Data completeness: 70%

Airworthiness Directives; PIPER Model Piper PA-31 and PA-31-300 Aircraft.

AD Number
68-20-04
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
Unknown
FR Citation
This information is not available.

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31 Airworthiness Directives; PIPER Model Piper PA-31 and PA-31-300 Aircraft.
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31-300 Airworthiness Directives; PIPER Model Piper PA-31 and PA-31-300 Aircraft.

Unsafe Condition

Cracks in the elevator torque tube P/N 40070-02 of the elevator torque tube assembly P/N 40070-00 due to deformation or fatigue.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Inspect the elevator torque tube P/N 40070-02 for deformation or cracking prior to next flight. Remove the torque tube assembly P/N 40070-00 within 25 hours' time in service after the effective date (September 27, 1968) and inspect using dye penetrant, magnetic particle, x-ray, or FAA-approved equivalent. Repeat inspections within 100 hours' time in service. Replace any cracked or deformed torque tube with a new part, which must be inspected if P/N 40070-02.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Prior to next flight and within 25 hours' time in service after September 27, 1968, with subsequent inspections within 100 hours' time in service from the last inspection.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31 and PA-31-300 aircraft with serial numbers: 31-2 to 31-74 inclusive; 31-76 to 31-131 inclusive; 31-133 to 31-144 inclusive; 31-146 to 31-184 inclusive; 31-186 to 31-247 inclusive; 31-249 to 31-299 inclusive.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Source: Official FAA Source ↗

Retrieved: Apr 8, 2026

Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain

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