Fuel System — Fuel Terminal — High Level Sensor Terminal Screw in Contact with Access Panel
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must remove and replace or rework the #6 outer wing fuel access panel assembly within 8000 flight hours from the effective date of March 23, 2021, following the specified De Havilland Service Bulletin instructions. Additionally, installation of access panels with part numbers 85714233-003/-004 and 85714233-005/-006 is prohibited from the effective date onward.
Summary
The Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2021-08 addresses a fuel system issue on De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited model DHC-8-401 and -402 aeroplanes, serial numbers 4001 and 4003 through 4628. It identifies a potential contact between the #2 top high level sensor terminal screw and the #6 outer wing fuel access panel stiffener flange that could cause arcing during lightning strikes. This directive mandates corrective actions to eliminate this interference and prevent ignition risks inside the fuel tank.
What changed
CF-2021-08 introduces mandatory removal and replacement or rework of the #6 outer wing fuel access panel assembly to prevent contact with the high level sensor terminal screw. It also prohibits installation of certain affected access panel part numbers on the specified DHC-8 models. This is a new regulation addressing a specific fuel system safety concern.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it mitigates a potential ignition source inside the fuel tank caused by electrical arcing during lightning strikes. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe operating conditions and regulatory violations.
More for De Havilland Canada DHC-8
All 58- EASA AD CF-2026-47R1Wing – Wing Access Panels with Un-trimmed Stiffeners and/or Reduced Thickness - InspectionOct 13, 2026
- EASA AD CF-2026-47Wing – Wing Access Panels with Un-trimmed Stiffeners and/or Reduced ThicknessSep 28, 2026
- EASA AD CF-2026-38Maintenance Requirements Manual Part 2 - Airworthiness Limitation Items - AmendmentAug 17, 2026
- EASA AD CF-2026-37Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitation Items – AmendmentAug 6, 2026
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New ADs and bulletins for De Havilland Canada DHC-8, Havilland DHC-8-401 and Havilland DHC-8-402, summarized like this page, every Monday.