Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-03-20 R1, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, and B4- 620, Model A300 B4-600R series, and Model A300 F4-605R airplanes. AD 2000-03-20 R1 required repetitive inspections to detect cracks on the forward fittings in the radius of a certain frame, adjacent to the tension bolts in the center section of the wings, and various follow-on actions. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2000-03-20 R1, adds new airplanes to the applicability, and introduces new compliance times for the required inspections, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking due to fatigue-related stress in the radius of frame 40, adjacent to the tension bolts at the center/ outer wing junction. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.