Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2020-03-16

Fuselage - Carry-Thru Spar Lower Cap - Inspection

Published: Mar 4, 2020
Effective: Mar 9, 2020
Deadline: May 8, 2020

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What to do

Operators of affected Textron Model 210-series airplanes must perform visual and eddy current inspections of the carry-thru spar lower cap within 60 days of March 9, 2020. If corrosion or cracks are found, corrective actions including repair or removal from service must be taken. Additionally, operators must apply protective coatings and corrosion inhibiting compounds and report inspection results to the FAA via email as specified in the directive.

Summary

Federal Register Volume 85, Number 35 (AD 2020-03-16) is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA addressing Textron Aviation Inc. Models 210G, T210G, 210H, T210H, 210J, T210J, 210K, T210K, 210L, T210L, 210M, and T210M airplanes. It mandates inspections and corrective actions for the carry-thru spar lower cap due to fatigue cracking initiated by corrosion pits, which have caused in-flight structural failures. The directive also requires application of protective coatings and reporting inspection results to the FAA.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory visual and eddy current inspections of the carry-thru spar lower cap on specified Textron Model 210-series airplanes, corrective actions if corrosion or cracks are found, and application of protective coatings and corrosion inhibiting compounds. It requires reporting inspection results to the FAA and shortens compliance time to 60 days from the effective date, differing from the related service letters that allowed longer compliance periods.

Why it matters

This directive addresses a critical safety issue involving severe corrosion and fatigue cracking in the carry-thru spar lower cap, which can lead to wing separation and loss of airplane control. For operators and maintenance personnel, compliance ensures structural integrity and continued airworthiness of affected aircraft. The directive also provides a framework for monitoring corrosion issues and preventing potential catastrophic failures.

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