AD 2020-17-01 Prompted By Reports Of Fuel Leaks At The Interface Of The Low Pressure Shut Off Valves

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-115 and -153N; A320-214, -216, -232, -251N, -252N, -271N, and -273N; and A321-211, -231, -251N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, and -271NX airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of fuel leaks at the interface of the low pressure shut off valves on the pylon areas of engines 1 and 2 due to improperly installed parts during production. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of each low pressure shut off valve on the pylon areas of engines 1 and 2 for correct installation, and replacing the O-rings and torqueing the mounting bolts within specified values as applicable, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0148, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective September 9, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0148, dated July 6, 2020 (“EASA AD 2020-0148”) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-115 and -153N; A320-214, -216, -232, -251N, -252N, -271N, and -273N; and A321-211, -231, -251N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, and -271NX airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of fuel leaks at the interface of the low pressure shut off valves on the pylon areas of engines 1 and 2 due to improperly installed parts during production. The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect installation of the low pressure shut off valves, which could result in fuel spillage in the flammable zone. This condition, if not corrected, could result in an uncontrollable fire in an engine pylon. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov