AD FAA-2016-6148

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a malfunctioning No. 2 engine intake heater with corrosion on the thermostats and the fuselage skin where the thermostats made contact with the aircraft fuselage skin. This AD requires a general visual inspection for corrosion of the thermostats' mounting surfaces and fuselage skin surface, corrective actions if necessary, and relocating the existing thermostats. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion within the thermostats that might cause the switch mechanism to seize in the open position and prevent the activation of the associated engine air intake heater. An inactive engine air intake heater could lead to an engine failure.