EASA AD US-2017-26-02
Doors - Main Cargo Door Cam Latches, Latch Pins and Cross Bolts - Inspection / Replacement
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2017-26-02 is a final rule issued by the FAA addressing certain Boeing 757-200 series airplanes converted to freighter configuration. It mandates inspections and replacement of main cargo door cam latches, latch pins, and latch pin cross bolts to ensure structural integrity. The directive targets aircraft with VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering supplemental type certificates ST03562AT, ST04242AT, and ST03952AT.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces repetitive inspections for discrepancies in the main cargo door cam latches, latch pins, and latch pin cross bolts. It requires replacing all alloy steel latch pin cross bolts with corrosion-resistant steel versions and mandates related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The AD responds to a reported failure of the forward-most cam latch during flight.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because undetected discrepancies in the cargo door latches could compromise door integrity, potentially leading to door loss and rapid decompression. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. The directive helps prevent in-flight structural failures that could have severe safety consequences.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the main cargo door cam latches, latch pins, and latch pin cross bolts as specified in VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering Service Bulletin MAE757SF-SB-52-12/02, Revision 3. All alloy steel latch pin cross bolts must be replaced with corrosion-resistant steel bolts within 30 days after the AD's effective date or as specified in the service bulletin, whichever is later. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before further flight.
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