Mon, Mar 15, 2010
Order Will Affect Some 600 Aircraft
The FAA has issued an Emergency AD (2010-06-51) for all Boeing
737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. The
FAA received a report of failure of the aft attach lugs on the left
elevator tab control mechanism, which resulted in severe elevator
vibration. The flightcrew diverted from the intended route and made
an uneventful landing. Subsequent investigation revealed extensive
damage to the elevator tab control system. Severe vibration in this
attach point is suspected of allowing rapid wear of the joint, and
resulted in failure of the attach lugs. The FAA says that his
condition, if not corrected, could result in a loss of aircraft
control and structural integrity.
In its investigation, the FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-27A1296, dated March 12, 2010. The service bulletin
describes procedures for a detailed inspection to detect
discrepancies of the inboard and outboard aft attach lugs of the
elevator tab control mechanism. Discrepancies include movement or
rotation of the spacer, and gaps between the swage ring and the aft
attach lug or between the spacer and the aft attach lug. The
service bulletin describes procedures for replacing any discrepant
elevator tab control mechanism, including performing the detailed
inspection on the replacement part before and after installation.
For certain airplanes, the compliance time for the inspection is 12
or 30 days, depending on airplane line number, total accumulated
flight cycles, and approval for operation under extended twin
operations (ETOPS).
As a result, the FAA is issuing the AD to detect and correct a
loose bearing in the aft lug of the elevator tab control mechanism,
which could result in unwanted elevator and tab vibration. The
consequent structural failure of the elevator or horizontal
stabilizer could result in loss of aircraft control and structural
integrity. The AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described previously, except as discussed
under “Differences Between this AD and the Service
Bulletin,” and also requires reporting the inspection results
to Boeing.
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