Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14738 · Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, DHC-8-300, and DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes
Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, DHC-8-300, and DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to the Bombardier airplanes identified in Table 1 of this AD, certified in any category.
| Bombardier airplane model— | Affected serial numbers (S/Ns)— |
|---|---|
| (1) DHC-8-102, DHC-8-103, DHC-8-106, DHC-8-201, DHC-8-202, DHC-8-301, DHC-8-311, DHC-8-314, and DHC-8-315 airplanes | 528 through 602 inclusive, and 606. |
| (2) DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401, and DHC-8-402 airplanes | 4003, 4004, 4006, 4008 through 4080 inclusive, and 4082. |
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, DHC-8-300, and DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the left and right control column torque tube assemblies to determine the type of rivets installed and replacing incorrect or indeterminate type rivets with the correct type rivets. This AD results from a report that incorrect rivets having lower than required strength were installed on the control column torque tube during production. We are issuing this AD to prevent shear failure of control column torque tube rivets, which could cause unexpected decoupling of the elevators and large unwanted deflection of the free elevator, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the applicable times specified in Table 2 of this AD: Do the applicable actions in accordance with the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD. If all rivets identified during the inspection specified in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (f)(2)(i) of this AD, as applicable, are of the correct type (DD or DN rivets), no further action is required by this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
| Model— | Compliance time— | Action— | In accordance with— |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) Model DHC-8-102, DHC-8-103, DHC-8-106, DHC-8-201, DHC-8-202, DHC-8-301, DHC-8-311, DHC-8-314, and DHC-8-315 airplanes | (i) Within 5,500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD | Do a general visual inspection of the left and right control column torque tube assemblies to determine the types of rivets installed | Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-104, dated October 26, 2004. |
| (ii) Before further flight | Replace any rivet of an incorrect type (AD rivets) or of a type that cannot be determined with correct type rivets (DD or DN rivets) | Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-104, dated October 26, 2004. | |
| (2) Model DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401, and DHC-8-402 airplanes | (i) Within 5,500 flight hours after the effective date of the AD | Do a general visual inspection of the left and right control column torque tube assemblies to determine the type of rivets installed | Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-24, Revision ‘A,’ dated September 28, 2005. |
| (ii) Before further flight | Replace any rivet of an incorrect type (AD rivets) or of a type that cannot be determined with correct type rivets (DD or DN rivets) | Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-24, Revision ‘A,’ dated September 28, 2005. |
For Model DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401, and DHC-8-402 airplanes: Inspections and rivet replacements done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-24, dated September 20, 2004, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.
