AD 2021-07-14 Prompted By A Report Involving Disconnection Of A Side Arm Strut From The Right MLG

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Yaborã Industria Aeronáutica S.A. Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by a report involving disconnection of a side arm strut from the right main landing gear (MLG); a subsequent investigation found that the side arm strut lower bearing was installed inverted on the airplane. This AD Yaborã Industria Aeronáutica S.A.to verify certain conditions and doing all applicable on-condition actions, as specified in an Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective April 20, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The ANAC, which is the aviation authority for Brazil, has issued ANAC AD 2021-02-02, effective February 26, 2021; corrected February 26, 2021 (ANAC AD 2021-02-02) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI); to correct an unsafe condition for all Yaborã Industria Aeronáutica S.A. Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 airplanes. Model EMB-145EU, -145LU, and -145MK airplanes (which are included in the MCAI applicability) are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.

This AD was prompted by a report involving disconnection of a side arm strut from the right MLG; a subsequent investigation found that the side arm strut lower bearing was installed inverted on the airplane. Further inspections found more instances of inverted installations on other airplanes as well as other improper installations (e.g., damaged or missing sealant, or grease fittings incorrectly installed). The FAA is issuing this AD to address disconnection of the MLG side arm strut, which could prevent the MLG from being locked in the down position and possibly lead to loss of control of the airplane during take-off and landing. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov