AD 2004-23-02 69 FR 64842 Active

The FAA supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 87-22-01 R1, which applies to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) 65, 90, 99, 100, 200, and 1900 series airplanes, and Models 70 and 300 airplanes. AD 87-22-01 R1 currently requires you to repetitively inspect the nose landing gear (NLG) fork for cracks. If cracks are found that exceed certain limits, AD 87-22-01 R1 requires you to replace the NLG fork with a serviceable part or an improved NLG fork (Kit No. 101-8030-1 S or Kit No. 114-8015-1 S, as applicable). Incorporating an improved NLG fork kit terminates the repetitive inspection requirements. This AD is the result of FAA's policy (since 1996) to disallow airplane operation when known cracks exist in primary structure. This AD retains the inspection requirements of AD 87-22-01 R1, requires you to incorporate an improved NLG fork kit anytime a crack is found, and adds additional airplanes to the applicability section of this AD. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the NLG fork, which could result in reduced structural integrity and inability of the NLG fork to carry design limit and ultimate loads. The reduced residual strength may cause separation failure of the NLG fork, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during take off, landing, and taxi operations.