Thu, Feb 09, 2012
Inspections Of Affected Airplanes Have Led To A Broader EASA
AD
EASA has expanded its mandatory inspection of wing rib feet on
A380 airplanes to every aircraft in service, regardless of flight
hours.
An AD posted by the European safety agency Wednesday mandates
the inspection of "Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861
aeroplanes, all serial numbers."
The AD states:
Following an unscheduled internal
inspection of an A380 wing, some rib feet have been found with
cracks originating from the rib to skin panel attachment holes
(Type 1 cracks according to Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT)
terminology). Further to this finding, inspections were carried out
on a number of other aeroplanes confirming the existence of these
cracks. During one of those inspections, a new form of rib foot
cracking originating from the forward and aft edges of the vertical
web of the rib feet has been identified (Type 2 cracks according to
Airbus AOT terminology).
This condition, if not detected
and corrected, may lead to reduction of the structural integrity of
the aeroplane.
EASA AD 2012-0013 required
Detailed Visual Inspections (DVI) to detect cracks on the wing rib
feet and required as well to repair them when applicable. Following
issuance of EASA AD 2012-0013 it has been confirmed that Type 2
cracks may develop on other aeroplanes after a period of time of
service. For the reasons described above, this AD, which supersedes
EASA AD 2012- 0013, extends the applicability to all aeroplane
serial numbers and requires accomplishment of High Frequency Eddy
Current (HFEC) inspections of certain wing rib feet and
accomplishment of applicable corrective actions.
This AD also requires that the
inspection results are reported to Airbus.
This AD is considered to be a
further interim action to address this condition. As a result of
the on-going investigation, further mandatory actions may be
necessary.
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