Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the rudder for damage, an inspection of the balance weight attachment for discrepancies, an inspection of the rudder horn spar and cleats for cracking and corrosion, and corrective action if necessary. This AD results from events in which fatigue cracking was found on the rudder horn spar. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion of the rudder horn spar, which could lead to detachment of the mass balance weight of the rudder. The detachment of the mass balance weight could jam or restrict the movement of the rudder, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. Loss of a mass balance weight could also damage other parts of the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, or could result in an injury to a person or damage to property on the ground.