AD NUMBER: 2008-24-09
MANUFACTURER: Airbus
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2008-24-09
SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing 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: An A330 operator reported a shroud box bottom panel missing during a routine inspection. The same panel detached from an A330 aircraft during take-off, causing damage to the surrounding structure and to the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) tip fairing. The inspection indicated the blind rivets used to attach the panel worked loose causing fatigue damage with crack propagation through the fastener line resulting in panel detachment * * * * * * Three additional events of panel loss have been experienced on in service aircraft already inspected in accordance with the AD requirements * * * We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

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