August 20, 2013 - The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) on certain Beechcraft aircraft as a result of reports of elevator balance weights becoming loose or failing because the balance weight material was under strength and did not meet material specifications. 

This AD requires inspections of elevator balance weights and replacement of defective elevator balance weights on models 58, 95-C55, E55, and 56TC airplanes and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models 58P and 58TC airplanes. The AD becomes effective September 24, 2013. 

The FAA reports if left uncorrected the affected aircraft could experience reduced flutter speed and control loss of the elevator. It is estimated that over 1,300 U.S. aircraft will be affected by this AD at a cost of just under $1,000 (Replacement of elevator balance weight 1 work-hour × $85, parts cost $300 and cost per product $385).

Before further flight after September 24, 2013, the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) until the replacement required by this AD is done, inspection must be done on the elevator balance weights for looseness, failure, and/or working (smoking) fasteners and inserts.