Federal Register #2026-21902

FAA Airworthiness Directive for Ontic SA226 and SA227 Airplanes and Simmonds-Precision Pitch Trim Actuators

The FAA issued an airworthiness directive covering certain Ontic SA226 and SA227 airplanes equipped with Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuators. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), East Certification Branch. - OEMs and named organizations: Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. is associated with the affected airplane models and issued the incorporated technical material; Simmonds-Precision is identified with the affected actuators. World Class Accessory, Inc. was mentioned as a commenter. - Affected airplanes include specified SA226 and SA227 models, including military-designated C-26A and C-26B variants. The directive is estimated to affect 198 U.S.-registered airplanes; this is an affected-aircraft estimate, not a purchase quantity. - Affected equipment: Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuators P/N DL5040M5, DL5040M6, and DL5040M8. No quantities are specified, and the directive does not request a purchase. - Required compliance work includes repeated inspections for cracked, missing, or compromised sealant; actuator travel-time measurements; and, when inspection or measurement results require it, actuator replacement and resealing. Certain actuators must also be sealed after installation. - The directive is a safety regulation, not a procurement opportunity. Its purpose is to prevent moisture intrusion, actuator failure, and reduced airplane control.

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration is adopting a final airworthiness directive for certain Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. Model SA226 and SA227 airplanes. Prompted by reports of in-flight pitch trim actuator failures, the directive requires repetitive inspections for cracked, missing, or compromised sealant and repetitive measurements of actuator travel time. Depending on findings and measurement results, the actuator must be replaced and sealed; certain actuators must also be sealed after installation. The directive is intended to address the risk of actuator failure and reduced airplane control and is effective December 1, 2026.

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