AD/Do 228/6 Horizontal Stabiliser Leading Edge and Ribs (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.

Dornier 228 Series Aeroplanes

AD/DO 228/6 Horizontal Stabiliser Leading Edge and Ribs 2/2006

Applicability:

Model 228-100 and -101 aircraft, serial numbers 7003 through 7116, 7167, and 7168.

Model 228-200, -201, -202, and -212 aircraft, serial numbers 8002 and subsequent.

Requirement:

In accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual:

1.    Perform a visual inspection of horizontal stabiliser leading edge skin and ribs for cracks and skin security.

2.    Repeat the Requirement 1 inspection at the specified intervals.

Repair/replace damaged components, if the inspection reveals damage beyond allowable limits.

Note 1:  Dornier Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Temporary Revision (TR) No. 55-6 dated 3 March 2003 and No. AMM TR 05-88 dated 22 April 2003 refer.

Note 2:  LBA AD 2001-045/2 refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 16 February 2006.

Background:

Reports were received of cracking around the riveted joints of the horizontal stabiliser skin and ribs, caused by corrosion and fatigue damage.  Undetected cracking could result in in-flight detachment of the horizontal stabiliser skin, which could lead to loss of aircraft controllability.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

21 December 2005