AD FAA-2018-0494

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-07-26, which applied to all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 airplanes. AD 2006-07-26 required a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies (e.g., cracking, loose/sheared fasteners, distortion) on the left-hand and right-hand wings, of the outer wing box upper skin and upper rib feet, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 2006- 07-26, after initial findings had suggested the cracking was isolated to a few airplanes, we received reports of cracking in these same areas on other Model ATR42 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies on the left-hand and right-hand wings, of the outer wing box upper skin and upper rib feet, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.