Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18579 · Landing gear
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2017-23-01. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401 and -402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001, and 4003 through 4325 inclusive.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine if certain left and right main landing gear (MLG) retract actuator rod ends are installed and repetitive liquid penetrant inspections (LPIs) of affected left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides optional terminating action for the inspections. This AD was prompted by a report of cracked MLG retract actuator rod ends. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, which could lead to left or right MLG collapse.
Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, inspect the left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends to determine if part number (P/N) P3A2750 or P3A2750-1 is installed. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number can be conclusively determined from that review.
For each left or right MLG retract actuator rod end having P/N P3A2750 or P3A2750-1: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, do an LPI to detect cracks of the MLG retract actuator rod end, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the LPI at intervals not to exceed 600 flight cycles.
(1) If the MLG retract actuator rod end has accumulated more than 6,000 flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(2) If the MLG retract actuator rod end has accumulated 6,000 flight cycles or fewer as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 600 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight replace the cracked MLG retract actuator rod end, P/N P3A2750 or P3A2750-1, with a MLG retract actuator rod end, P/N P3A6460 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD.
Replacement of the left and right side MLG retract actuator rod ends, P/N P3A2750 or P3A2750-1, with left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, P/N P3A6460, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for that airplane.
If it is not possible to complete all the instructions in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016 because of the configuration of the airplane: Before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO).
