EASA AD US-2019-18-09: Superseded by FAA AD US-2023-09-13

What to do

Operators must perform a visual inspection of the center wing upper and lower rainbow fittings and an eddy current inspection of the lower fittings for cracks by October 11, 2019. If cracks are found, the fittings must be replaced. If flight hours on the fittings cannot be determined, inspections must be completed within 30 days after the effective date. Comments on the directive were accepted until November 12, 2019.

Summary

FAA Airworthiness Directive 2019-18-09 is a final rule affecting all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382 series airplanes and Model C-130A, HP-C-130A, EC-130Q, and C-130B airplanes. It mandates inspections of the center wing upper and lower rainbow fittings for cracks and requires replacement if cracks are found. This directive addresses a critical safety issue involving cracked inner tangs of the center wing lower rainbow fittings.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory visual and eddy current inspections of the center wing rainbow fittings for cracks and requires replacement of affected parts. It prohibits the use of certain service bulletins and operational usage evaluations to determine flight hours for compliance, requiring inspections within 30 days if flight hours cannot be determined. The directive was issued without prior public comment due to the urgency of the unsafe condition.

Why it matters

This directive is crucial for aviation professionals because cracked rainbow fittings can lead to wing separation and catastrophic loss of the airplane. Operators and maintenance teams must promptly identify and repair these cracks to maintain airworthiness and ensure flight safety. Compliance minimizes the risk of structural failure and potential accidents involving affected Lockheed Martin aircraft.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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