EASA AD 2026-0125-E
Landing Gear – Nose landing Gear Hydraulic Actuator Rod End – Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0125-E is an emergency directive addressing the inspection of the nose landing gear hydraulic actuator rod end on Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH models DA 42, DA 42 M, DA 42 NG, and DA 42 M-NG aeroplanes. It mandates repetitive inspections of specific affected parts with part numbers X11-0006-SMRCD10IRMR.7403 and X11-0006-GARSW-10RR to detect cracks that could cause rudder control issues. The directive also imposes operational limitations on go-around and touch-and-go maneuvers until initial inspections are completed.
What Changed
This new regulation introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the nose landing gear hydraulic actuator rod end to identify cracks that may cause uncommanded rudder deflection. It also establishes operational limitations prohibiting intended go-around and touch-and-go maneuvers until the initial inspection is performed. Additionally, it requires reporting inspection results to Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH and allows installation of only serviceable parts after inspection.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to reduced rudder control and potential loss of aircraft control during landing gear retracted configurations. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. Compliance teams need to manage inspection schedules and documentation to meet regulatory requirements and maintain safe flight operations.
What To Do
Operators must implement the specified operating limitation before the next flight after 1 July 2026 and perform the initial inspection within a compliance time based on flight cycles, ranging from 5 to 2000 flight cycles after the effective date. Repetitive inspections must continue every 4,000 flight cycles thereafter. Any detected discrepancies require immediate replacement of the affected part with a serviceable one. Inspection results must be reported to Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH within 14 days of inspection.
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