Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15245 · Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes
Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2011-17-17. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes, certificated in any category; serial number 003 and subsequent.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to detect discrepancies of the main landing gear (MLG) system, an inspection of the jam nut of the retract actuator of the MLGs to ensure the wire lock is in place and the nut is secured, an inspection of the retract actuator for any signs of corrosion or wear, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires submitting an inspection report to Bombardier. This AD results from two reports of collapse of MLGs within a few days of each other. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct potential failure of major components of the MLG assembly and attachments, which could result in the possible collapse of a MLG and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to people or damage to property on the ground.
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 further flight, do a general visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the left- and right-hand MLG system and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent). Bombardier DHC-8 Series 400 Maintenance Requirements Manual (PSM 1-84-7), Part 1 (Maintenance Review Board Report), tasks Z700-03E (left hand) and Z700-04E (right hand), is one approved method for accomplishing the general visual inspection.
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.”
Before further flight, do a general visual inspection of the jam nut of the retract actuator of the left- and right-hand MLG to ensure the wire lock is in place and the nut is secured. If the wire lock is not in place or if the jam nut is not secured, before further flight, adjust the retracted length of the rod end, torque the jam nut, install a wire lock, and lubricate the piston, as applicable, in accordance with Bombardier Repair Drawing (RD) 8/4-32-059, Issue 4, dated September 14, 2007.
Note 2: Bombardier Repair Drawing 8/4-32-059 refers to Goodrich Service Concession Request SCR 086-07, Revision C, dated September 14, 2007 (specifically item 14), as an additional source of service information for adjusting the retracted length of the rod end, torquing the jam nut, installing a wire lock, and lubricating the piston if necessary, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
For airplanes on which the retract actuator of the MLG, part number 46550-7 or 46550-9, has accumulated 8,000 or more total landings or has been in-service 4 or more years since new as of the effective date of this AD: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of affected parts for any signs of corrosion or wear, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with Bombardier Repair Drawing 8/4-32-059, Issue 4, dated September 14, 2007.
Note 3: 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.”
(i) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (h) of this AD with a retract actuator of the MLG, part number 46550-7 or 46550-9: Do a detailed inspection of affected parts for any signs of corrosion or wear, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with Bombardier RD 8/4-32-059, Issue 4, dated September 14, 2007; at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 4,000 total landings or 2 years since new, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
Note 4: Bombardier Repair Drawing 8/4-32-059 refers to Goodrich Service Concession Request SCR 086-07, Revision C, dated September 14, 2007, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the applicable related investigative and corrective actions required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Repair Drawing 8/4-32-059, Issue 1, dated September 12, 2007; Issue 2, dated September 13, 2007; or Issue 3, dated September 13, 2007; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraphs (g) through (i) of this AD.
Submit a report of any discrepancy found during any inspection required by this AD to the Bombardier Technical Help Desk, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD; telephone (416) 375-4000; fax (416) 375-4539; e-mail: thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (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 was done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 7 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 7 days after the effective date of this AD.
