AD 2020-09-04 Issued For Unsafe Cracks In Flap Actuators

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for AERMACCHI S.p.A. Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, and F.260F airplanes.

This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks on the body of the flap actuators. The FAA is issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This AD is effective May 7, 2020.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD No. 2019-0119-E, dated May 29, 2019 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products.

The MCAI states:

• During maintenance, cracks were found on the body of several flap actuators installed on F260 aeroplanes and held as spares. Investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause of the cracking.
• This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the flap actuator, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, Leonardo, S.p.A. issued the [alert service bulletin] ASB to provide inspection instructions.
• For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires inspections of the affect parts, and, depending on findings, replacement of an affected part with a serviceable part.
• This [EASA] AD is considered an interim measure and further AD action may follow.

The EASA AD refers to Leonardo Aircraft, formerly Aermacchi S.p.A., as the design approval holder (DAH). The FAA type certificate holder of record for these models is AERMACCHI S.p.A. Therefore, this AD specifies AERMACCHI S.p.A. as the type certificate holder.

FMI: http://www.regulations.gov