Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. SA26, SA226, and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild) SA26, SA226, and SA227 series airplanes. This action requires applying torque to the control column pitch bearing attaching nuts, inspecting for any looseness or movement of the bearing assembly, and inspecting the elevator control rod end bearing retainer/dust seals for creasing. If either of these problems are evident, this action requires replacing these parts, as well as installing a new bolt and washer to the elevator control rod end bearing assembly at the walking beam connection. Reports of Fairchild SA227 series airplanes losing pitch control in-flight prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of pitch control, which if not corrected, could result in loss of the airplane.