AD/A320/218 Escape Slide Failure at Doors 2 and 3 (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes

AD/A320/218 Escape Slide Failure at Doors 2 and 3 6/2008

Applicability:

All Airbus A321 aircraft equipped with escape slide P/N 62292-105, 62292-106, 62293-105 or 62293-106.

Aircraft on which no modification/replacement of escape slides at doors 2 and 3 has been performed since embodiment of AIRBUS modification 34989 in production are not affected by the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive.

Requirement:

Modify the slides P/N 62292-105, 62292-106, 62293-105 or 62293-106 in accordance with the instructions given in AIRBUS Service Bulletin A320-25-1416.

Note:  DGAC AD F-2005-155 refers.

Compliance:

Prior to 10 September 2008.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 5 June 2008.

Background:

Some cases of slide damage and deflation have been reported during deployment tests at doors 2 and 3 of the A321.  Analysis has shown that the slide may inflate too fast compared to the associated door release.  If there is a delay during the opening of the door, the inflatable slide may exercise a pressure on this not yet opened door, which can result in damage to the inflatable slide.  A slide not inflated correctly may disrupt passenger emergency evacuation.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

16 April 2008