AD NUMBER: 2008-22-20
MANUFACTURER: Airbus
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2008-22-20
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above.

This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product.

The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: During fatigue tests (EF3) on the A340-600, damages were found in longitudinal doubler at VTP [vertical tail plane] attachment cutout between Frame (FR)80 and FR86.

This damage occurred between 58341 and 72891 simulated Flight Cycles (FC). Due to the higher Design Service Goal and different design (e.g., doubler thickness) [of the] A330-200/-300 and A340-300 aircraft series, the damage assessment concluded [there was] potential impact on [the airplanes specified in the] applicability.

* * * * * The unsafe condition is crack propagation in the VTP attachment cutout, which could reduce airplane structural integrity in the tail section. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/