AD 2022-01-02 Requires Doing A Detailed Visual Inspection Of The Nacelle To Wing Rear Spar Attachment Pins

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by a report that the epoxy primer on the internal bore of the nacelle and landing gear attachment pins was not applied, and corrosion on the internal bore of the wing rear spar attachment pins was found. This AD requires doing a detailed visual inspection of the nacelle to wing rear spar attachment pins, and the nacelle and landing gear attachment pins, for any corrosion, and doing all applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective March 3, 2022.

Supplementary Information: Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2020-51R1, dated February 24, 2021 (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0514.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2021 (86 FR 34163). The NPRM was prompted by a report that the epoxy primer on the internal bore of the nacelle and landing gear attachment pins was not applied, and corrosion on the internal bore of the wing rear spar attachment pins was found. The NPRM proposed to require doing a detailed visual inspection of the nacelle to wing rear spar attachment pins, and the nacelle and landing gear attachment pins, for any corrosion, and doing all applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address premature corrosion and subsequent failure of the nacelle to landing gear and nacelle to rear wing spar attachment pins, which if undetected, could lead to a single or dual collapse of the main landing gear. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov