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 39.1 (1) of CAR 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.
Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B727/181 Wire Bundle Chafing 11/2002
Applicability: Model 727 series aeroplanes.
Requirement: 1. Carry out a general visual inspection to detect discrepancies (including inadequate clearance between the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing and/or structure, missing clamps, chafing, fire damage to structure or damage to wire bundles) of the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing in the aft stairwell area, in accordance with the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 727-29A0068, dated 30 May 2002. If discrepancies are not found, further action is not required by this Directive.
Note 1: For the purposes of this Directive, a general visual inspection is defined as: "A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, torch or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked."
2. If any discrepancy is found during the Requirement 1 inspection, rectify the discrepancy (includes repositioning of the wire bundles and clamps to ensure a minimum clearance of 0.25 inch between the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing and/or structure and installing clamps; repairing or replacing any damaged wiring and tubing; if evidence of fire damage, inspecting adjacent structural area for damage, and repairing any damage), per Figure 1 of the ASB.
Note 2: FAA AD 2002-17-05 Amdt 39-12871 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 120 days after the effective date of this Directive. For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 31 October 2002.
Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B727/181 (continued)
Background: The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received a report that, during a check shortly after the landing of a Boeing Model 727-200F series aeroplane, a crew member on board the aeroplane saw smoke in the left aft stairwell area.
Evidence of overheating (molten aluminium) and fire damage was found between body stations 1203 and 1223. Additional evidence of overheating was also found on the upper and lower torque boxes outboard and above the standby hydraulic reservoir.
Investigation revealed the fire was caused by an electrical wire bundle chafing and subsequently arcing against a hydraulic system "A" case drain return line tube. The wire bundle provides electrical power to the standby hydraulic pump. A hole was burned in the aft side of the tube and in the back of a bend on a hydraulic reservoir pressurization tube located four feet above the drain return line tube. Such discrepancies of the wire bundle, if not found and fixed, could result in electrical arcing between the wiring and hydraulic tubing, and consequent fire and damage to adjacent structure.
This Directive requires a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies of the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing in the aft stairwell area, together with any necessary. corrective action.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 13 September 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 9 October 2002.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive AD/B727/181, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in 2002, was enacted in response to an incident involving a Boeing 727-200F aeroplane where smoke was observed in the left aft stairwell area shortly after landing. The investigation revealed that this was caused by an electrical wire bundle chafing and arcing against a hydraulic system tube, leading to overheating and fire damage. This Airworthiness Directive aims to rectify the unsafe condition identified by requiring a thorough visual inspection of the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing in the aft stairwell area of Boeing 727 series aeroplanes to detect and address any discrepancies such as inadequate clearance, missing clamps, chafing, or fire damage. The policy objective is to ensure the ongoing airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft by mandating corrective actions if any discrepancies are found during the inspection.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to the Boeing 727 series aeroplanes, a category that includes all models within this series. This directive is designed to address an identified safety concern related to the potential for wire bundle chafing and subsequent fire hazards in the aft stairwell area of the aircraft. The directive mandates that a general visual inspection of the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing in the specified area be conducted to detect any discrepancies, including inadequate clearance between the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing or structure, missing clamps, chafing, fire damage, or damage to the wire bundles themselves. If discrepancies are detected, corrective actions must be taken in accordance with the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 727-29A0068. The directive outlines a compliance timeline, requiring the initial inspection to be completed within 120 days of the directive's effective date, while any necessary corrective actions must be undertaken before further flight after the inspection. This AD, which is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensures the ongoing airworthiness of the specified aircraft by mitigating the identified safety risk.
Key Provisions
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to Boeing 727 series aeroplanes. The directive, identified as AD/B727/181, mandates an inspection and, if necessary, corrective action concerning the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing in the aft stairwell area. Section 1 of the AD requires operators to conduct a general visual inspection of the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing in the aft stairwell area to detect any discrepancies such as inadequate clearance between the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing, missing clamps, chafing, fire damage, or damage to the wire bundles. This inspection must be performed in accordance with the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 727-29A0068, dated 30 May 2002. If no discrepancies are found during this inspection, no further action is required. However, if discrepancies are detected, corrective actions must be taken, as detailed in Section 2 of the AD. These actions include repositioning the wire bundles and clamps, repairing or replacing damaged wiring and tubing, inspecting and repairing any fire-damaged structural areas, and ensuring a minimum clearance of 0.25 inch between the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing or structure. These corrective measures must be carried out in accordance with Figure 1 of the ASB.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of Boeing 727 series aeroplanes. Firstly, they must ensure that the visual inspection of the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing in the aft stairwell area is conducted within 120 days of the AD's effective date, which is 31 October 2002. Secondly, if any discrepancies are identified during the inspection, the required corrective actions must be completed before any further flight of the aeroplane. The AD also specifies that the corrective actions must be performed according to the detailed instructions provided in the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 727-29A0068, dated 30 May 2002. These instructions are critical to ensuring that the inspections and any necessary repairs are performed correctly and effectively.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this AD may result in significant civil or criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an AD can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines and other penalties. The specific penalties for non-compliance with an AD can vary, but they are designed to enforce adherence to safety regulations and ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft. In severe cases, non-compliance may also result in criminal charges, particularly if the failure to comply with the AD leads to an incident or accident. The potential penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the AD's requirements to maintain the safety and airworthiness of Boeing 727 series aeroplanes.