AD/DHC-8/110 Outer Wing Fuel Access Panel (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-8/110 Outer Wing Fuel Access Panel 3/2006

Applicability:

Model DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401, and DHC-8-402 aircraft, serial numbers 4001, and 4003 through 4106.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with Transport Canada AD CF-2005-37.

Note:  Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-13 original issue, or later Transport Canada approved revision, refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of
16 March 2006.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 16 March 2006.

Background:

The manufacturer has received numerous reports of cracks on part number
85714230-001 outer wing fuel access panels.  These were found during routine maintenance checks.  Investigation revealed that certain fuel access panels were manufactured with seal grooves having sharp corner radii.  This condition, if not corrected, could result in arcing and ignition of fuel vapour in the outer wing fuel tank during a lightning strike.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

3 February 2006