AD/A330/99 Centre Wing Frame 40 Rear Fitting Web (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 A330 Series Aeroplanes

AD/A330/99 Centre Wing - Frame 40 Rear Fitting Web 3/2009

Applicability:

Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 aircraft, all serial numbers; except aircraft with modification 44360 incorporated in production.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the requirements of EASA AD 2009-0001.

Note:  AIRBUS Service Bulletin A330-57-3107 original issue, or later EASA approved revision, refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of
12 March 2009.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 12 March 2009.

Background:

During accomplishment of A330-300 Airworthiness Limitation Item task
57.11.04-01-02 of a fastener hole between stringer 38 and 39 at FR40 rear fitting web, a crack was found on an adjacent hole at vertical post Y1959 lower attachment on both sides.  Other crack findings on this adjacent hole have been reported on
A330-300 and A340-200/300 aircraft as a result of sampling inspections.  Unless detected and corrected, crack propagation could result in the loss of fuselage structural integrity.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 January 2009