Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19546 · Wings
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1167, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2018.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that during removal of left-hand (LH) gear rib 5, four failed fasteners were discovered. This AD requires a one-time ultrasonic inspection of the LH and right-hand (RH) wing rib 5-to-rear spar attachments for cracked or failed fasteners, and if necessary, a detailed inspection of the gear rib 5 and spar web for cracks and damage; a rotating probe test of the gear rib and spar web bolt holes for cracks and damage; reaming the gear rib and the spar web bolt holes; and replacement of cracked or failed fasteners. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, do a special detailed (ultrasonic) inspection of the LH and right-hand (RH) wing rib 5-to-rear spar attachment fasteners (bolts) for cracked or failed (broken) fasteners (bolts), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1167, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2018.
If any cracked or failed (broken) fastener (bolt) is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) Do a detailed inspection of the gear rib 5 and spar web for cracks and damage (cracks along the length of the bolt or broken bolt), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1167, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2018. If any crack or damage is found during any inspection required by this paragraph, before further flight, obtain corrective actions approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA); and accomplish the corrective actions within the compliance time specified therein. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(2) If no cracks or damage are found during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: Do a rotating probe test of the gear rib and spar web bolt holes for cracks and damage (cracks in the bolt holes), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1167, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2018. If any crack or damage is found during any inspection required by this paragraph, before further flight, obtain corrective actions approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA DOA; and accomplish the corrective actions within the compliance time specified therein. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA authorized signature.
(3) If no cracks or damage are found during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: Ream the gear rib and the spar web bolt holes, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1167, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2018. If an oversize larger than 0.794 millimeter (0.0313 inch) is required, before further flight, obtain corrective actions approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA DOA; and accomplish the corrective actions within the compliance time specified therein. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA authorized signature.
(4) Replace any cracked or failed fasteners (bolts) in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1167, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2018.
Within 90 days after the special detailed inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, report the inspection results (both positive and negative) to Airbus SAS in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1167, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2018. If operators have reported findings as part of obtaining any corrective actions approved by the EASA DOA, operators are not required to report those findings as specified in this paragraph.
