The FAA is proposing to add aircraft to an existing airworthiness directive that requires replacing the fuel selector valve cover on certain Piper PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-160, PA-28-180, PA-28R-180, and PA-28R-200 airplanes.
The superseding AD, that would be applicable to additional aircraft as listed by serial numbers, also would change compliance times for required actions to correct an unsafe condition. The FAA is accepting public comments on the AD proposal until Oct. 4 as provided below.
Since the original AD 71-21-08, Amendment 39-1312 was issued in October 1971, "a safety event in 2011 caused the loss of a Model PA-28-180C airplane and the serious injury to one occupant. A subsequent FAA investigation revealed eight additional PA-28 series events dating from 1999 to the present were the result of a similar fuel selector valve assembly issue," the FAA said.
Approximately 6,928 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by the superseding AD. Estimated costs per aircraft include $42.50 to inspect airplane records and the fuel selector valve, and $646.50 to install a needed replacement kit.
Members may submit comments to the FAA, citing Docket No. FAA-2013-0742; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-012-AD at the beginning of their comments, online or by mail to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
