Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. Models EMB-110P1 and EMB-110P2 Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Models EMB-110P1 and EMB-110P2 airplanes. This AD requires amending the Limitations Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to prohibit the positioning of the power levers below the flight idle stop while the airplane is in flight. This AFM amendment will include a statement of consequences if the limitation is not followed. This AD results from numerous incidents and five documented accidents involving airplanes equipped with turboprop engines where the propeller beta was improperly utilized during flight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent increased propeller drag beyond the certificated limits caused by the power levers being positioned below the flight idle stop while the airplane is in flight, which could result in loss of airplane control or engine overspeed with consequent loss of engine power.