Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13757 · Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2014-23-07. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with a piston rod, part number (P/N) 114256309 or 114256321, for the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the chromed area of the left and right piston rods for the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by reports of the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators rupturing during flight. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion pitting and cracking of the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators, which could result in rupture of a piston rod, non-damped extension of the MLG, high loads on the fully extended MLG, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the MLG.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Before each MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36 months, or within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later: Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the chromed area of the left and right piston rod of the MLG retraction actuators. Do the inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004; as applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7 days.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
(g) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the MLG retraction actuator with a new or serviceable part in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004; as applicable.
If no cracking is found during the initial detailed inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, do an ultrasonic inspection for corrosion pitting or cracking of the inner surface of the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators. Do the ultrasonic inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004; as applicable. Any corrective action must be done at the times specified in Figure 2 of the applicable service bulletin.
(1) Before each MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36 months.
(2) Within 1,400 flight hours, 250 flight cycles, or 4 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is first.
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3173, Revision 01; and A340-32-4212, Revision 01; reference Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin A33/34-32-222, including Appendices A and B, dated December 6, 2003, as an additional source of service information for doing the detailed and ultrasonic inspections.
(i) Repeat the ultrasonic inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,400 flight hours, 250 flight cycles, or 4 months after the most recent ultrasonic inspection, whichever is first.
Submit a report of the results (both positive and negative) for any ultrasonic inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, and only negative findings for any detailed inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Submit the report to Airbus Customer Services Directorate, Attention: SDC32 Technical Data and Documentation Services, fax +33+ 5 61 93 28 06, or via your resident customer support office. Submit the report at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the period of time the affected piston rod has been in service. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection is done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a piston rod, part number (P/N) 114256309 or 114256321, for the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators, on any airplane, unless the part has been inspected in accordance with paragraphs (f) and (h) of this AD and found free of cracking.
Ultrasonic inspections done in accordance with Airbus AOT A330-32A3172 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32A4211 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated May 22, 2003; are acceptable for compliance with the initial ultrasonic inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
