Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200 and -300 series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower skin panels of the outer wings; and repair, if necessary. This amendment also requires modification of the panels and a follow-on inspection to detect cracking of the modified areas, which constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of the lower skin panels of the outer wings, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.