AD 2020-14-08 Prompted By Reports Of Main Landing Gear (Mlg) Torque Link Apex Pin Rupture

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes, Model A319 series airplanes, Model A320 series airplanes, and Model A321 series airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of main landing gear (MLG) torque link apex pin rupture in service. This AD requires replacement of certain MLG torque link apex pins and, for certain other pins, a one-time magnetic particle inspection (MPI) for cracking, and  replacement if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0130, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective August 7, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0130, dated June 8, 2020 (“EASA AD 2020-0130”) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N and -272NX airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes 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 reports of MLG torque link apex pin rupture in service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address MLG torque link apex pin rupture, which could lead to disconnection of MLG torque links, possibly resulting in reduced braking efficiency and/or increased risk of tire burst during take-off or landing. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov