Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Aerospatiale Model ATR42-300 and -320 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive ultrasonic inspections to detect cracking of certain lugs on the main landing gear (MLG), replacement of cracked lugs with new or serviceable parts, and a follow-on inspection; and provides for an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This amendment removes that terminating action and requires new repetitive inspections of the rubber sealant to detect shearing, and corrective action, if necessary. This action also requires new one-time visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections to detect discrepancies of certain lugs, and refurbishment of the MLG barrel and swing lever assemblies, which terminates the requirements of this AD. This action also revises the applicability of the existing AD. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent discrepancies of the MLG barrel lower lugs, which could result in reduced structural integrity and possible collapse of the MLG.