Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19712 · Flight controls
Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2025-19-05. 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 through 4580 inclusive.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked elevator power control unit (PCU) brackets on the horizontal stabilizer rear spar and cracking on the elevator front spar. This AD requires one-time inspections for cracks and damage of the elevator PCU brackets and surrounding area, horizontal stabilizer rear spar, and elevator front spar, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
No earlier than 7,500 total accumulated flight hours, but before accumulating 8,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Perform detailed visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections for cracks and damage of the elevator PCU brackets, horizontal stabilizer rear spar, and elevator front spar, in accordance with Section 3.B, Part A, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-55-09, dated June 7, 2018.
(1) If any crack is detected on any elevator PCU bracket, and no crack or damage is found on either spar: Before further flight, replace the elevator PCU bracket with a new bracket, and do all related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with Section 3.B, Part B, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-55-09, dated June 7, 2018.
(2) If any crack or damage is detected on any horizontal stabilizer rear spar or elevator front spar: Before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD: Report the results of the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD to the De Havilland CMDB Focal by fax 1-416-375-4538 or email at cmdb.request@dehavilland.com, in accordance with the instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-55-09, dated June 7, 2018. If operators have reported findings as part of obtaining any corrective actions approved by Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO, operators are not required to report those findings as specified in this paragraph.
(1) If the inspections were done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspections.
(2) If the inspections were done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
