EASA AD 2022-0164
Power Plant — Engine Mount Bolts — Inspection; Fuselage — Centre Fuselage Main Spar Bolts — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0164 is an airworthiness directive issued by EASA affecting Sonaca Aircraft S.A. S2 aeroplanes, specifically the Sonaca S200 and S201 models with certain manufacturer serial numbers. The directive mandates inspection of engine mount bolts (P/N AN5-6A) and centre fuselage main spar bolts (P/N MS21250H06) due to potential incorrect torque application during assembly. This inspection aims to ensure structural integrity and prevent possible loss of control of the aircraft.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0164 introduces a new mandatory one-time inspection requirement for specific engine mount and fuselage main spar bolts on affected Sonaca S2 aeroplanes. It addresses the risk caused by a wrongly calibrated torque wrench that may have resulted in insufficient bolt torque. The directive requires verification of torque values and corrective actions if discrepancies are found.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures the structural safety of affected Sonaca S2 aircraft by preventing potential structural damage and loss of engine suspension fixation. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain airworthiness and avoid safety risks that could lead to loss of control. Compliance teams need to track and implement these inspections within the specified timeframe to meet regulatory requirements.
What To Do
Operators of Sonaca S200 and S201 aeroplanes with specified serial numbers must inspect the torque of six engine mount bolts within 70 flight hours or 60 days from 23 August 2022, whichever occurs first. For serial number MSN 051, the torque of sixteen centre fuselage main spar bolts must also be inspected within the same timeframe. Any discrepancies found during inspection must be corrected before the next flight following the instructions in Sonaca Aircraft Service Bulletin SB-SONAIR-S2-029.
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