EASA AD US-2019-10-03
Fuselage - Left and Right Side-Strut Support Fitting Lugs - Inspection
Summary
Federal Register Volume 84, Number 109 (June 6, 2019) is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA addressing all Boeing 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. It mandates repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy current inspections of the left and right side-strut support fitting lugs to detect corrosion, cracks, or severed lugs. The directive aims to prevent potential failure of the side-strut support fitting joint and main landing gear attachment.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the side-strut support fitting lugs with and without bushings installed, including detailed and HFEC inspections. It also requires applicable on-condition actions such as corrosion removal and preventative modifications. The directive clarifies that installation of Supplemental Type Certificate ST01219SE does not affect compliance requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent sudden failure of the main landing gear due to corrosion-induced cracks in the side-strut support fitting lugs. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure timely inspections and corrective actions to maintain aircraft structural integrity and safety. Compliance reduces the risk of landing gear collapse and associated accidents.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 737 models must perform repetitive detailed inspections of the side-strut support fitting lugs with bushings installed and detailed plus HFEC inspections with bushings removed. On-condition actions must be completed as necessary. The directive is effective July 11, 2019, and compliance must begin by that date.
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