Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of chafing damage due to insufficient clearance on the main landing gear (MLG) stabilizer brace, the nacelle A-frame structure, and the adjacent electrical wiring harnesses. An insufficient fillet radius may also exist on certain airplanes. This AD requires, depending on airplane configuration, an inspection of the nacelle A-frame structure for insufficient fillet radius; an inspection for cracking of affected structure, and rework or repair if necessary, and rework of the nacelle A-frame structure; repetitive inspections of the nacelle A-frame structure and the MLG stabilizer brace for insufficient clearance and damage, and repair if necessary, and rework of the nacelle A-frame structure, which would terminate the repetitive inspections; installation of new stop brackets and a shim on each MLG stabilizer brace assembly; and rework of the electrical wiring harnesses in the nacelle area. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing damage and subsequent premature cracking and fracture of the nacelle A-frame structure, which could result in failure of the MLG stabilizer brace and loss of the MLG down-lock indication, which could adversely affect the safe landing of the airplane.