AD/Jetstream/106 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/106 Main Landing Gear Radius Rod 8/2009 TX

Applicability:

Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 aircraft, all serial numbers.

Requirement:

1.    Determine whether an affected radius rod is installed on the aircraft, as identified by serial number in paragraph 2.B of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 32-A-JA090640, original issue, or later EASA approved revision.

If one of the affected radius rods is found installed, before further flight, replace it with a serviceable unit.

From the effective date of this Directive, installation of an affected radius rod is prohibited unless in accordance with APPH Ltd Service Bulletins 1847-32-14 and 1862-32-14, dated June 2009, or later EASA approved revision.

2.    Forward an Inspection Report to BAE Systems in accordance with paragraph 2.C of ASB 32-A-JA090640, original issue, or later EASA approved revision, and include details of any radius rods removed.

Note:  EASA Emergency AD 2009-0121-E refers.

Compliance:

1.    Before further flight after 11 June 2009.

2.    Within 30 days after accomplishment of Requirement 1.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 June 2009.

Background:

BAE Systems was notified by the main landing gear radius rod manufacturer, APPH Ltd, that a batch of incorrectly manufactured Buffer Springs part number 184818 had been supplied to their parts distributor and MRO facilities in North America.  There is a risk that any radius rod fitted with one of these incorrectly manufactured Buffer Springs could jam in an unlocked position.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

10 June 2009