AD/DHC-8/130 Forward Baggage Translating Door Spring Assembly Bracket (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-8/130 Forward Baggage Translating Door
Spring Assembly Bracket 8/2007

Applicability:

Models DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401, and DHC-8-402, with serial number 4001, and 4003 through 4102.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the requirements of Transport Canada AD CF-2007-05.

Note:  Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-51 Revision A, dated 6 September 2006, or later Transport Canada approved revision, refers.

Compliance:

Within 1,000 flight hours after 2 August 2007, unless already accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 2 August 2007.

Background:

Transport Canada received a report of failure of a bracket (part number 85217732-108) of the over-centring spring assembly inside the translating door of the forward baggage compartment.  Investigation concluded that an insufficient gap between the bottom eyebolt and the barrel of the spring assembly caused an increase of tension load on the bracket and resulted in subsequent failure of the bracket.  Damage of the door support beam in combination with failure of a doorstop attached to any remaining undamaged support beam will degrade the structural integrity of the door, resulting in possible depressurisation or loss of the door.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

19 June 2007