AD/DHC-8/101 Fire Bottle Electrical Connectors (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.

Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes

AD/DHC-8/101 Fire Bottle Electrical Connectors 7/2005

Applicability:	Models DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401 and DHC-8-402, Serial Numbers 4001 through 4105 inclusive.
Requirement:	1.    Carry out an inspection of the electrical connectors on the forward and aft baggage compartment, APU and engine nacelle fire bottles, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) A84-26-06, dated 12 May 2005, or later revisions approved by the Chief, Continuing Airworthiness, Transport Canada.
2.    Correct any deficiencies noted during the Requirement 1 inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ASB A84-26-06.
Note:  Transport Canada AD CF-2005-14 refers.
Compliance:	For Requirement 1 - Within 14 days after the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after accomplishing the Requirement 1 inspection.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 July 2005.
Background:	Transport Canada has received three reports of crossed connection of the electrical connectors on the forward and aft baggage compartment fire bottles.  An investigation has revealed that a similar unsafe condition could also potentially exist for the auxiliary power unit (APU) and engine nacelle fire bottles.  Cross connection of the fire bottle connectors could result in the inability to control a fire in the affected area.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

25 May 2005