Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Models PA-28-161, PA-28-181, PA-28R-201, PA-32R-301 (HP), PA-32R-301T, PA-32-301FT, PA-32-301XTC, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180, PA-46-350P, and PA-46-500TP Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper), Models PA-28-161, PA-28- 181, PA-28R-201, PA-32R-301 (HP), PA-32R-301T, PA-32-301FT, PA-32- 301XTC, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180, PA-46-350P, and PA-46-500TP airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the control wheel attaching hardware for proper installation, replace if required, add Loctite thread- locking compound to the screw installation, and install a retainer clip to the control wheel attachment. This AD is the result of inadequate control wheel attachment design. The screw used to attach the control wheel to the control column is too short in some installations, and the nut-plate does not have adequate locking features. In addition, the screw is installed from the bottom of the control wheel and will depart quickly after thread disengagement. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct inadequate control wheel attachment design features, which could result in loss of control of the ailerons and elevator. This failure could lead to loss of control of the aircraft.