EASA AD US-2023-22-06
Powerplant - Engine Truss Mount - Inspection
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2023-22-06 addresses inspection requirements for engine truss mount upper lugs on Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382 series and Model EC-130Q, C-130H, HP-C-130A, C-130A, and C-130B airplanes. This directive mandates one-time inspections to detect cracking or severed upper lugs on the outboard engines and requires replacement of the engine truss mount if damage is found. It aims to ensure the structural integrity of engine mounts and prevent potential catastrophic failures.
What Changed
This AD supersedes AD 96-12-20 by expanding the applicability to include additional aircraft models and removing the previous optional terminating action. It requires one-time inspections rather than repetitive inspections and mandates replacement of affected engine truss mounts if cracks or severed lugs are detected. The directive also adds restricted category models sharing the same type design to the list of affected airplanes.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because fatigue cracking in engine truss mount upper lugs can compromise engine mount strength, potentially leading to engine separation and catastrophic structural damage. Operators and maintenance teams must address this unsafe condition promptly to maintain aircraft airworthiness and ensure flight safety. Compliance with this AD helps prevent in-flight failures and supports regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform one-time inspections of the No. 1 and No. 4 engine truss mount upper lugs at specified outer wing stations to detect cracks or severed parts. If any damage is found, the engine truss mount must be replaced. The AD is effective November 21, 2023, and comments must be submitted by January 5, 2024.
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