AD 2021-11-06 Prompted By The Loss Of A Windshield In Flight

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

This AD was prompted by the loss of a windshield in flight, and the consequent rapid depressurization of the flight deck, which caused damage to flight deck items and systems and subsequent thermal shock and overheat, damage to windshield structural plies, and impaired structural integrity of the windshield. This AD requires repetitive inspections and electrical test measurements (EMTs) of affected windshields, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective June 4, 2021.

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0111, dated April 22, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0111) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A321 series airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes. Model 320-215 airplanes, which are included in the applicability of EASA AD, are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; those airplanes are therefore not included in applicability of this AD.

This AD was prompted by the loss of the right windshield in flight on a Model A319 series airplane. The consequent rapid depressurization of the flight deck caused damage to flight deck items and systems and led to a significant increase in flightcrew workload. Investigations into the incident identified several contributing factors, including manufacturing variability, fretting between windshield components, water ingress, and corrosion of electrical braids. The subsequent thermal shock and overheat damaged more than one of the windshield structural plies and impaired the structural integrity of the windshield. Failure of the windshield could result in injury to the flightcrew and depressurization of the airplane, which could cause loss of control of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov