Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17008 · Doors
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the forward and aft attachment fittings and of the swan neck for cracks, and replacing the attachment fittings and the swan neck with serviceable ones if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the forward attachment fittings of the left and right sides of the forward hinge of the nose landing gear (NLG) aft door. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks of the forward attachment fittings and the swan neck, which could lead to the in-flight detachment of the NLG aft door and result in injury to persons on the ground or damage to 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.
Before the accumulation of 4,500 total flight cycles or within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a detailed visual inspection for any cracking of the forward attachment fittings of the forward hinge (#4) of the NLG aft door of the left side and right side doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5017, excluding Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 17, 2011.
(1) If no crack is found: Thereafter repeat the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles.
(2) If any crack is found during any inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, replace both the forward and aft fittings with serviceable fittings on the forward hinge (#4) of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5017, excluding Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 17, 2011.
If any forward and aft attachment fittings of the forward hinge (#4) of the NLG aft door have been replaced as required in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: Before the accumulation of 4,500 flight cycles on the forward fitting, do the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD.
Before the accumulation of 4,500 total flight cycles or within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a high frequency eddy current inspection for any cracking of the swan neck of the forward hinge (#4) of the NLG aft door of the left side and right side doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5017, excluding Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 17, 2011.
(1) If no crack is found: Thereafter repeat the inspection required in paragraph (i) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles.
(2) If any crack is found during any inspection required in paragraphs (i) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the swan neck with a serviceable swan neck on the forward hinge (#4) of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5017, excluding Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 17, 2011.
If any swan neck of the NLG aft door forward hinge (#4) is replaced as specified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: Before the accumulation of 4,500 flight cycles on the swan neck, repeat the inspection required in paragraph (i) of this AD.
