The FAA has ordered operators of certain Fairchild/Swearingen SA226 Metroliner and SA227 Merlin aircraft to inspect their pitch-trim actuators after reports of failures during flight. The airworthiness directive applies to 198 U.S.-registered airplanes, according to AVweb’s report, and becomes effective Dec. 1, 2026—not immediately.
The FAA’s final rule requires operators to repeatedly inspect actuators for cracked, missing or compromised sealant, replace and reseal affected units, and measure actuator travel time. It also requires certain actuators to be sealed after installation, with the agency warning that moisture intrusion could cause actuator failure and reduced aircraft control. The published directive identifies the affected aircraft models and makes the requirements legally effective on Dec. 1.
Operators will face continuing checks rather than a one-time inspection. AVweb reports that the directive calls for recurring inspections every 1,000 flight hours or 12 months, plus operational checks every 250 to 300 flight hours or six months, depending on the actuator installed. The FAA rule says the repetitive measurements and inspections are tied to the actuator and aircraft group, including a 250-flight-hour or six-month interval for certain originally installed DL5040M5 actuators.
AVweb reports that the FAA’s earlier proposal cited six in-flight pitch-trim actuator failures and linked the problem to corrosion caused by moisture entering openings in Simmonds-Precision actuators. The final rule states that repairs or replacement are required when the inspection or travel-time measurements identify the specified condition. The directive does not provide details about the individual flights or crew responses, so the available documents establish the maintenance response and risk identified by the FAA, but not a broader operational disruption.