AD 2020-24-12 Requires Replacement Of The Affected Fasteners

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that certain central wing box (CWB) fasteners had rotated inside the fastener holes due to insufficient friction for the application. 

This AD requires replacement of the affected fasteners, 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 is effective January 5, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0123, dated May 29, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0123) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. 

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2020 (85 FR 52284). The NPRM was prompted by reports that certain CWB fasteners had rotated inside the fastener holes due to insufficient friction for the application. The NPRM proposed to require replacement of the affected fasteners, as specified in an EASA AD. 

The FAA is issuing this AD to address CWB fastener rotation. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to cracking of the fastener head sealant cover, followed by fuel vapor leakage inside the cabin, possibly resulting in injury to airplane occupants. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov