{"id":"F2006B04282","name":"AD/BEECH 90/99 - Main Landing Gear Torque Knee","slug":"ad-beech-90-99-main-landing-gear-torque-knee","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":44088,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B04282-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","sectionType":"part","heading":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","content":"# ![](image.001.png)  \nAIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\nFor the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\nBeechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/BEECH 90/99 Main Landing Gear Torque ","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/BEECH 90/99 Main Landing Gear Torque Knee 4/2002","content":"# AD/BEECH 90/99 Main Landing Gear Torque Knee 4/2002\n\n| Applicability: | Model                              | Serial Number        |\n| -------------- | ---------------------------------- | -------------------- |\n|                | 65-90, 65-A90, B90, C90, and C90A. | LJ-1 through LJ-1559 |\n|                | 65-A90-1                           | LM-1 through LM-141  |\n|                | 65-A90-4                           | LU-1 through LU-16   |\n|                | E90                                | LW-1 through LW-347  |\n|                | H-90                               | LL-1 through LL-61   |\n\nRequirement: 1. Inspect the main landing gear upper torque knee and lower torque knee for fatigue cracks in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions paragraph of Raytheon Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32-3134, Revision 1, revised July 1999; and the applicable aircraft maintenance manual.\n\n2. If fatigue cracks are found in the main landing gear torque knees during any inspection required by this Directive, replace the cracked torque knees in accordance with Service Bulletin SB 32-3116, issued October 1999.\n\nNote 1: When both left and right main landing gear upper and lower torque knees are replaced with new upper torque knees, part number 50-810032-12, and new lower torque knees, part number 50-810295-25, in accordance with Service Bulletin SB 32-3116, the repetitive inspection requirements of this Directive are no longer required.\n\nNote 2: FAA AD 2002-01-10 Amdt 39-12602 refers.\n\nCompliance: 1. Within 100 hours’ time in service after 18 April 2002; thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours’ time in service.\n\n2. Before further flight.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 18 April 2002.","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Directive applies only to the explicitly listed models and serial-number ranges and prescribes inspection and replacement actions; the text contains no statement that alters or broadens that applicability. Applicability, the required inspections, replacement procedure and terminating action are set out in the AD (Applicability table; Requirement 1–2; Note 1)."},"complexity_factors":["Technical subject matter: fatigue inspection of specific airframe components (main landing gear upper and lower torque knees) (Requirement 1).","Applicability limited by multiple model and serial-number ranges, requiring careful fleet identification (Applicability table).","External references to Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletins and another Service Bulletin for replacement increase procedural dependency (Requirement 1 & 2).","Compliance timing combines an initial short-term deadline (100 hours after 18 April 2002) with recurring intervals (1,000 hours) and an immediate replacement mandate before further flight if cracks are found (Compliance 1 & 2).","A terminating action exists if both left and right upper and lower knees are replaced with specified part numbers, changing ongoing obligations (Note 1)."],"plain_english_summary":"This AD requires inspection of the main landing gear upper and lower torque knees on specified Beechcraft 65‑90/90 series aircraft and replacement of any torque knee found cracked. It affects owners/operators of the listed models and serials; the first inspection is due within 100 hours’ time in service after 18 April 2002, then every 1,000 hours, and replacing both knees with the specified new part numbers removes the repetitive inspection requirement."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a targeted safety directive addressing a specific airworthiness concern (fatigue cracking in landing gear torque knees) for a defined aircraft fleet. The scope remains precisely focused on its original safety purpose with no evidence of scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Single, specific mechanical issue (torque knee fatigue cracks)","Only 2 main requirements (inspect; replace if cracked)","Clear compliance timeline (100 hours initially, then 1,000-hour intervals)","Simple applicability table with 5 model variants and serial number ranges","References to 2 external technical documents (Service Bulletins) but does not reproduce their content","No nested exceptions or conditional logic beyond the standard 'if cracked, then replace'","Short document (approximately 300 words)"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA safety order requires owners/operators of specified Beechcraft King Air 90-series aircraft to inspect main landing‑gear “torque knees” for fatigue cracks — initially within 100 flight hours of 18 Apr 2002 and then every 1,000 hours. If cracks are found the part must be replaced before further flight. Replacing all four torque knees with upgraded parts removes the need for repetitive inspections. It prevents landing‑gear failure and reduces accident risk."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-99-main-landing-gear-torque-knee","history":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-99-main-landing-gear-torque-knee/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-99-main-landing-gear-torque-knee/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-99-main-landing-gear-torque-knee/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-99-main-landing-gear-torque-knee/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-99-main-landing-gear-torque-knee/documents"}}