AD 96-13-01
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | SME Aero, Inc. | MD3-160 | Airworthiness Directives; MDB Flugtechnik AG Model MD3-160 Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Disengagement of the nosewheel steering (NWS) system during flight can cause the airplane to roll into a left turn and result in rudder pedal lockup, leading to loss of control. The NWS mechanism is sensitive to play in the nosewheel steering damper block assembly and improper rigging, which may occur due to excessive nosewheel rotation, selector lever movement, or damage from improper towing with the steering disengaged.
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Required Actions
Insert a supplement to the AFM prohibiting aerobatics and spinning, fabricate and install a placard prohibiting aerobatics and spinning, inspect the NWS engage/disengage mechanism for rotational play and adjust rigging if needed, and inspect the shimmy damper for bent piston rods or bottoming out, replacing parts as necessary. All actions must be done per MDB Flugtechnik AG Service Bulletin No. MD-SB-27-001.
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Compliance Time
within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD
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Affected Aircraft
MDB Flugtechnik AG Model MD3-160 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
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Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 8, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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