Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11504 · Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, -200, and - 300 Series Airplanes
Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, -200, and - 300 Series Airplanes
Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with Canadian Aviation Products (CAP) horizontal stabilizers having serial numbers CAP 003 through CAP 050 inclusive.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes. This action requires the removal and testing of sections of bonded skin from the upper and lower skin panels of the horizontal stabilizer, repair of those areas, and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent reduced strength capability and consequent failure of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in loss of controllability of the airplane.
Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent reduced strength capability of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent failure of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in loss of controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
Removal of Skin Sections
(a) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD.
(1) Remove sections of bonded skin (test coupons) from the upper panel P/N 85510026, and the lower skin panel P/N 85510025, of the horizontal stabilizer port and starboard side, at stations Yh77.50-90.90 between stringer number 6 and the rear spar, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO); and
(2) Mark and send for testing the removed sections of bonded skin to the attention of M. Elliott X3177 or M. Clark X3092, Bombardier Aerospace Mailroom (A.O.G.), 123 Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario, Canada, M3K-1Y5; and
(3) Repair the areas where the sections of bonded skin were removed, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). After the repair, the airplane may be returned to service while awaiting test results.
Note 2: The Manager, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, New York ACO, has approved Bombardier Repair Drawing RD8-55-669, Issue 3, dated March 17, 1999, as an acceptable method for accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Operators should note that the repair drawing recommends a one-time ultrasonic inspection to detect disbonding on the stringers and doublers of the horizontal stabilizer. However, the approved method of compliance does not require the ultrasonic inspection.
Corrective Actions
(b) Within 30 days following the removal of the sections of bonded skin (test coupons) from the upper and lower skin panels of the horizontal stabilizer, determine the test results and accomplish paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes on which all sections of bonded skin (test coupons) pass the test required by this AD, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which any section of bonded skin (test coupon) fails the test, prior to further flight, either replace the horizontal stabilizer with a new horizontal stabilizer in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-55-24, dated February 26, 1998, or repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO.
(c) Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, equipped with Canadian Aviation Products (CAP) horizontal stabilizers having serial numbers CAP 003 through CAP 050 inclusive: Passing the test on all sections of bonded skin constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by AD 98-24-18, amendment 39-10903. Accomplishment of either the replacement or an approved repair, as required by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD, on any airplane on which any section of bonded skin fails the test also constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by AD 98-24-18, amendment 39-10903.
Note 3: Following accomplishment of the requirements of this AD, the horizontal stabilizer remains subject to the normal bonding integrity inspection program, which is performed in accordance with de Havilland Product Support Manual (PSM) 1-8-7.
