AD/Jetstream/104 Main Landing Gear Radius Rod (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.

British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes

AD/JETSTREAM/104 Main Landing Gear Radius Rod 6/2007

Applicability:

All Model Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 aircraft, all serial numbers, fitted with main landing gear radius rod cylinders part number 1847/A through 1847/L and 1862/A through 1862/L, without strike-off 12 or 13.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect the Main Landing Gear Radius Rod Forged Cylinder Flashline in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems Service Bulletin 32-JA060741 original issue, or later EASA approved revision.

If cracks are found during any inspection, before further flight, replace the radius rod assembly with a serviceable unit.

2.    Accomplish APPH Service Bulletin 1847-32-12 or 1862-32-12, as applicable, or perform a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection of the cylinder counterbore in accordance with APPH Component Maintenance Manual 32-10-16 Revision 11, or later approved revision.

Note 1:  Replacement of the affected radius rod assembly by installing a part number 1847/A through 1847/L with strike-off 12 or 13, or 1847/M or later, and part number 1862/A through 1862/L with strike-off 12 or 13, or 1862/M or later, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this Directive.

Note 2:  After 7 September 2007, no radius rod assembly held as spares shall be installed on an aircraft unless it has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of this Directive.

Note 3:  EASA AD 2007-0087 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Unless the initial inspection is already accomplished, within 3 months after 10 June 2007.  Inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months.

2.    During each radius rod overhaul.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 June 2007.

Background: The manufacturer received reports of radius rods with cracks starting in the flashline near the microswitch boss.  Such cracking can result in the loss of the normal hydraulic system and may lead to a landing gear collapse.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

24 April 2007