AD 2020-21-03 Required A Detailed Inspection For Loose Bolts On The Aft Translating Door Crank Assembly

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-14-01, which applied to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes.

AD 2015-14-01 required a detailed inspection for loose bolts on the aft translating door crank assembly, and removal and reinstallation of the bolts. This AD retains the inspections of AD 2015-14-01 and adds airplanes to the applicability. For all airplanes, this AD also requires a modification of the door crank handle, which will terminate the inspection requirements. This AD was prompted by reports of loose bolts that are intended to secure the translating door crank assembly to the outside handle shaft, and of sealant missing from these bolts on another translating door. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective November 18, 2020.

Supplementary Information: Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2014-08R1, dated July 30, 2019 (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0200.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2015-14-01, Amendment 39-18199 (80 FR 38615, July 7, 2015) (“AD 2015-14-01”).

AD 2015-14-01 applied to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 20, 2020 (85 FR 16008). The NPRM was prompted by reports of loose bolts that are intended to secure the translating door crank assembly to the outside handle shaft, and of sealant missing from these bolts on another translating door. The NPRM proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2015-14-01 and add airplanes to the applicability. The NPRM also proposed to require, for all airplanes, a modification of the door crank handle, which would terminate the inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential for both bolts to become loose or fall out after the door is closed and locked, which would prevent the door from being opened from inside or outside and impede evacuation in the event of an emergency.

FMI: www.regulations.gov