Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 Airplanes and Model DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-300 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes and Model DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-300 series airplanes. This AD requires modifying the main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG) handle assemblies for alternate release and the MLG retaining plate. This AD also requires doing a related investigative action and corrective action if necessary. This AD results from reports of broken or damaged MLG and NLG alternate release cables caused by rubbing and fraying at the cable-to-handle interface. We are issuing this AD to prevent breakage of the MLG and NLG alternate release cables, which, if the normal gear extension fails, could result in the inability to extend the MLG or NLG and consequent collapse of the landing gear during ground maneuvers or upon landing.