Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-802 and AT-802A Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD 2010-13-08, which applies to all Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes. AD 2010-13-08 currently 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. Since we issued 2010-13-08, we evaluated service information issued by Air Tractor and determined we need to add inspections, add modifications, and change the safe life for certain serial number (SN) ranges. Consequently, this AD would retain the actions of AD 2010-13-08 and would add inspections, add modifications, and change the safe life for certain SN ranges. 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.