Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-802 and AT-802A Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect (using the eddy current method) the two outboard fastener holes in both of the wing main spar lower caps at the center splice joint for cracks and repair or replace any cracked spar cap. This AD results from in-service fatigue cracking of the wing main spar lower cap at the center splice joint outboard fastener hole at hours time-in-service below the safe life limit established for these airplanes in AD 2002-11-05. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the wing main spar lower cap at the center splice joint, which could result in failure of the spar cap and lead to wing separation and loss of control of the airplane.