Finds Cracking In Rear Wing Spars of D-Model Regional Aircraft

Acting on reports of cracks found in the wings of two Raytheon (Beechcraft) 1900D regional turboprops, the FAA has issued an emergency airworthiness directive calling for the immediate visual inspection of the left and right wing rear spar lower caps for cracking, and other damage.

During routine maintenance of two 1900D airliners, the wing rear spar lower caps and rear spar web were found to have significant cracks. The Raytheon Aircraft Company Structural Inspection Manual requires a thorough inspection of the wing rear spar at 17,500 hours time-in-service (TIS) with repetitive inspections at intervals of 3,000 hours TIS.

One airplane had 19,126 hours TIS when cracks were found. The cracks were in the lower aft spar cap flange, but the cracks extended upward into the web and terminated at the lightening hole in the spar web. Fasteners were also found missing in the spar cap and wing cove splice plate. There were no discrepancies recorded from the initial inspection at 17,500 hours TIS on this airplane.

Early indications show similar cracking on the other airplane. The FAA continues to gather information on this airplane.

Analysis shows that similar cracks could also develop in the wings of the Models 1900 and 1900C airplanes.

FAA’s Determination

After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, we have identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design. For this reason, the FAA has determined that AD action should be taken to detect and correct cracking in the wing rear spar lower caps of the affected airplanes before the cracks grow to failure. Such a wing failure could result in the wing separating from the airplane with consequent loss of control.

AD Requirements

This AD requires the following:

• A one-time visual inspection of both the left and right wing rear spar lower caps for cracking and other damage such as loose or missing fasteners.
• Repair of any cracks or damage found.
• Report of any cracks or damage found to the FAA and RAC.
• Provisions are included in this emergency AD to position the airplane to a home base, hangar, maintenance facility, etc. with limitations.

This is considered interim action. The FAA will use the data from the reporting requirement to determine what additional action is necessary, which could result in future AD action.

FMI: Read The Airworthiness Directive