Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18589 · Landing gear
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, except airplanes on which an upper cardan pin on a main landing gear (MLG) has never been replaced or reinstalled since first entry into service of the airplane.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(3) Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-10-03 for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2015-10-03 required a detailed inspection for visible chrome of each affected main landing gear (MLG) sidestay upper cardan pin, associated nuts, and retainer assembly; pin replacement if needed; measurement of cardan pin clearance dimensions (gap check); corrective actions if necessary; and a report of all findings. This new AD requires a detailed inspection of the upper cardan pin and nut threads for any corrosion, pitting, or thread damage, and if necessary, replacement of the cardan pin and nut. This new AD also revises the applicability to include additional airplane models. This AD was prompted by a report that an MLG sidestay upper cardan pin migration event had been caused by corrosion due to lack of jointing compound and inadequate sealant application during the MLG installation. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct migration of the sidestay upper cardan pin, which could result in disconnection of the sidestay upper arm from the airplane structure, and could result in a landing gear collapse and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
For the purpose of this AD, an upper cardan pin on a MLG is affected if it has been installed as a replacement part, or reinstalled since first entry of the airplane into service, and if the installation was accomplished using the applicable airplane maintenance manual at a revision level prior to October 1, 2014.
(1) For an affected upper cardan pin on an MLG: Before exceeding 96 months since its latest installation on an airplane, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a detailed inspection of the upper cardan pin and nut threads for any corrosion, pitting, or thread damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) If, during the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, any corrosion, pitting, or thread damage is found, before further flight, replace the upper cardan pin and/or nut, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Do the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3269, Revision 01, dated December 3, 2015 (for Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes).
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4301, Revision 01, dated December 3, 2015 (for Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes).
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-5115, Revision 01, dated December 11, 2015 (for Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes).
