AD/Jetstream/96 Amdt 1 Landing Gear Rod Spherical Bearing (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/JETSTREAM/96 and issues the following 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/96 Amdt 1 Landing Gear Rod Spherical Bearing 7/2005

Applicability:

British Aerospace Aircraft Models HP 137 Jetstream Mk 1, Jetstream Series 200, 3100 and 3200.

Requirement:

1.    Install the redesigned radius rod retention washer as per provisions of BAE Systems Service Bulletin (SB) 32-JM5413 Original Issue, or later EASA approved revision.

2.    For aircraft not modified per SB 32-JM5413 Original Issue, or later EASA approved revision, per Requirement 1 of this Directive:  Inspect the main landing gear (MLG) radius rod spherical bearing for evidence of migration from the radius rod cylinder in accordance with SB 32-JA030340 Revision 1, or later EASA approved revision.

3.    For aircraft modified per SB 32-JM5413 Original Issue, or later EASA approved revision, per Requirement 1 of this Directive:  Carry out a visual inspection of the radius rod cylinder and the retention washer for evidence of spherical bearing migration towards contact, or contact damage with the retention washer.

4.    Replace the radius rod and / or retention washer, if bearing migration or retention washer damage is observed on inspection per Requirement 3 of this AD.

Note:  UK CAA Airworthiness Directive G-2005-0012 dated 20 April 2005 approved by EASA under approval number 2005-3462 dated 15 April 2005 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within 2000 flight hours or one year after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

2.    Within 50 flight cycles since the last inspection in accordance with the original issue of this AD and then repetitively, at intervals not to exceed 50 flight cycles.

3.    Prior to the accumulation of 5,000 flight cycles since installation of the redesigned radius rod retention washer in accordance with Requirement 1 of this AD and then repetitively, at intervals not to exceed 5000 flight cycles.

4.    Before further flight.

This Amendment becomes effective on 7 July 2005.

Background:

A potential unsafe condition has been identified from an incidence of migration of the MLG radius rod housing from the spherical bearing attachment at the wing root, which could lead to detachment and sudden collapse of the MLG leg.  This has been classified as a Hazardous condition.

The cause of this migration has been established as incorrect swaging of the bearing sleeve, which cannot be detected with the radius rod actuator installed on the aircraft.

Original issue of this AD required frequent repetitive inspection of the effected area to detect migration within the radius rod cylinder spherical joint.  Current amendment maintains the inspection requirements and mandates the installation of a modified retention washer to prevent detachment of the MLG radius rod should migration from the spherical bearing occur.

The original issue of this AD became effective on 13 August 2003.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

19 May 2005