Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the junction between the thrust reverser forward frame and the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock beams; the thrust reverser common fittings; and the thrust reverser J-ring structure at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions; and related investigative and corrective actions. This AD results from fatigue and damage tolerance testing of the engine thrust reversers which revealed fatigue cracking of the junction between the thrust reverser forward frame and the 12 o'clock beam, and of the thrust reverser J-ring structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, which could result in rupture of the J-ring, forward frame, or common fittings; loss of the thrust reverser system; or inadvertent deployment of a thrust reverser in flight and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.