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 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/155 P37 Panel - Electrical Wire Bundle
Inspection and Protection
11/2001
DM
Applicability: All Model 767 series aeroplanes.
Requirement: 1. Perform the following actions in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-24A0134 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series aeroplanes) and 767- 24A0135 (for Model 767-400ER series aeroplanes), both dated 15 March 2001:
- Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles located below the P37 panel to detect abrasion damage and wire installation discrepancies (including missing standoffs; missing, chafed, or loose cable clamps; chafed grommets; and wire bundles located beneath an insulation blanket).
Note 1: For the purposes of this Directive, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
b. Relocate the wire support standoff.
c. Install protective sleeving over the wire bundles.
2. If any damage or other discrepancy is found during the Requirement 1.a. inspection, perform corrective action in accordance with the applicable ASB.
Note 2: FAA AD 2001-17-28 Amdt 39-12419 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 90 days after the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 September 2001.
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/155 (Continued)
Background: The United States Federal Aviation Administration has received a report of a fire in a 767-300 series aeroplane during routine maintenance. As the maintenance crew attempted to apply external electrical power to the airplane, fire erupted in the forward electrical/electronics bay, below the P37 miscellaneous electrical equipment panel. The source of the fire was traced to chafing and subsequent arcing of power wires belonging to electrical power wire bundle W298, routed from the P32 R generator power panel to the P37 panel. A stringer and a web were severely damaged and required replacing. Some of the wires were severed, and the insulation blanket was burned. Routing of the bundle under the blanket violates wire bundle installation and routing requirements.
This Directive requires a one-time inspection to detect abrasion damage and installation discrepancies of the wire bundles located below the P37 panel and, if necessary, corrective action. This action is necessary to detect and correct such damage and other discrepancies, which could result in arcing to structure and consequent fire or loss of function of affected systems.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 5 September 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 12 September 2001
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B767/155 was issued in 2001 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns identified in Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced in response to a reported fire incident during routine maintenance in a 767-300 aeroplane, which was traced to chafing and arcing of electrical power wires routed under an insulation blanket below the P37 miscellaneous electrical equipment panel. The directive aims to rectify unsafe conditions that could potentially result in arcing to the aircraft structure, leading to fires or loss of function in affected systems. The AD mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles below the P37 panel to detect any abrasion damage or installation discrepancies, followed by necessary corrective actions as per the specified Boeing Alert Service Bulletins. Compliance with the directive is required within 90 days of its effective date, with immediate corrective actions needed if any discrepancies are found during the inspection.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to all Model 767 series aeroplanes, mandating specific actions to address potential unsafe conditions identified in the wiring systems of these aircraft. Issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, this AD is a directive from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety and airworthiness of Boeing 767 aeroplanes. The directive requires a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles located below the P37 panel to detect abrasion damage and installation discrepancies, as outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 767-24A0134 and 767-24A0135. Should any damage or discrepancies be found during the inspection, corrective actions must be taken in accordance with the applicable Alert Service Bulletins. The directive applies nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia and must be complied with within 90 days from the effective date of the AD for the initial inspection, with any required corrective actions to be completed before further flight. The AD does not explicitly state exclusions, but its scope is limited to the specific inspection and corrective actions as detailed in the requirement section.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) pertains to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, including the 767-200, -300, and -400ER models (sections 1 and 2). The directive mandates that specific actions be taken to address an identified unsafe condition related to the electrical wire bundles located below the P37 panel. These actions are detailed in Requirement 1, which stipulates a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles to detect any abrasion damage or installation discrepancies such as missing standoffs, chafed grommets, or loose cable clamps (section 1). Additionally, Requirement 1 includes relocating the wire support standoff and installing protective sleeving over the wire bundles (section 1). If any damage or discrepancies are found during the inspection, corrective actions must be taken in accordance with the applicable Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) (section 1). The compliance period for Requirement 1 is within 90 days from the effective date of the directive, while Requirement 2 must be performed before further flight (section 3).
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties or entities it governs. Operators of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified inspection and corrective actions are conducted in accordance with the instructions provided in Boeing ASB 767-24A0134 and 767-24A0135 (section 1). This involves a detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles below the P37 panel, using appropriate lighting and inspection aids as needed, and performing necessary corrective actions if any damage or discrepancies are identified (section 1). The AD also requires operators to adhere to the compliance timelines specified, with Requirement 1 to be completed within 90 days from the effective date of the directive, and Requirement 2 to be performed before further flight (section 3).
Failure to comply with the requirements of this AD may result in significant consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the AD, breaches of CAR 1998 can lead to civil or criminal penalties. For civil penalties, the AD may be enforced through administrative action, which could include fines and other regulatory measures. In more severe cases, non-compliance could result in criminal charges, with potential penalties including imprisonment, particularly if the non-compliance leads to a safety incident or accident. The AD emphasises the importance of adhering to the specified requirements to prevent unsafe conditions that could lead to serious incidents such as fires or loss of function of critical systems (section 4).