The FAA has adopted an airworthiness directive for the Diamond DA42 to address the risk of uncommanded rudder deflection linked to a cracked nose landing gear hydraulic actuator rod end. The rule applies to 267 U.S.-registered aircraft and takes effect with immediate operational limits for some airplanes, alongside inspections, an AFM revision and part replacements where defects are found.
The directive requires repetitive checks of the nose landing gear hydraulic actuator rod end for cracks, deformation, corrosion, damage or bearing issues, with replacement of affected parts when necessary. For certain aircraft, compliance begins after as little as five flight cycles, while airplanes at 1,000 total hours time-in-service face an immediate flight operating restriction because the unsafe condition can emerge without warning. The FAA also barred installation of affected rod ends unless specified conditions are met.
The agency moved without prior notice and comment, citing the need for immediate action to protect the flying public. The measure follows a June Emergency AD from EASA on the same defect and carries estimated compliance costs of about $340 per airplane per inspection cycle, with total FAA estimates of roughly $90,780 for inspections and $22,695 for AFM revisions.