Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR 42-200, -300, and -320 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Aerospatiale Model ATR 42-200, -300, and -320 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting to determine the part and serial number of the swinging lever of the main landing gears (MLG) and replacing the swinging lever if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report that, on an airplane lined up for takeoff, the swinging lever of the left MLG collapsed when engine power was applied. We are issuing this AD to prevent fracture of the MLG swinging lever, which could result in collapse of the swinging lever and reduced structural integrity and possible collapse of the MLG during operations on the ground.