AD FAA-2009-0869

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD 85-08-04, which applies to certain Vulcanair S.p.A. Models P 68, P 68B, P 68C, P 68C-TC, and P 68 "OBSERVER" airplanes. AD 85- 08-04 currently requires you to repetitively visually inspect the front and rear wing spars for cracks. If cracks are found, AD 85-08-04 requires you to modify the wing spars. The wing spar modification terminates the repetitive inspection AD action and may be installed before cracks develop. Since we issued AD 85-08-04, the manufacturer revised the modification kit and identified additional airplane serial numbers that require the inspection and/or modification. Consequently, this AD would retain the actions of AD 85-08-04, allow you to install the revised modification kit, and add additional serial numbers to the Applicability section. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the front and rear wing spar, which could result in the wing separating from the airplane. This failure could lead to loss of control.