AD/B737/318 Main Slat Track Downstop Assemblies (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.

Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes

AD/B737/318 Main Slat Track Downstop Assemblies 5/2008

Applicability:

All Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series aircraft.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2008-06-29 Amdt 39-15441.

Note:  Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1301 original issue, or later FAA approved revision, refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of
8 May 2008.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 8 May 2008.

Background:

This Directive results from an incident of fuel leakage from a puncture in a slat track housing of a Model 737 aircraft which resulted in a fire.  Inspections are required to detect and correct loose or missing parts from the main slat track downstop assemblies, which could puncture the slat track housing and result in fuel leakage.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

28 March 2008