EASA SIB 2008-42: RUAG (formerly Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Model 228 series - Nose Landing Gear Inspection / Replacement

What to do

Operators of RUAG Dornier 228 series aircraft must perform borescope inspections of the nose landing gear welds as detailed in RUAG Service Bulletins SB-228-274 and ASB-228-272. If cracks or defects are detected, the nose landing gear must be replaced. Compliance deadlines vary by part number and flight cycles, ranging from within 50 landings to 6 months or 600 flight cycles from the effective date of 5 May 2008.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2008-42 is an informational bulletin addressing the nose landing gear inspection and replacement for RUAG (formerly Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Model 228 series aircraft, including models 228-100, 228-101, 228-200, 228-201, 228-202, and 228-212. It references the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) Germany Airworthiness Directive D-2008-149, which mandates borescope inspections and potential replacement of the nose landing gear due to manufacturing defects. This bulletin informs operators and maintenance organizations about the safety issue without imposing mandatory requirements under EASA authority.

What changed

This bulletin introduces a requirement from the German LBA Airworthiness Directive D-2008-149 for borescope inspection of the nose landing gear strut support welds and replacement if defects are found. It highlights a manufacturing welding defect causing fatigue cracks that could lead to nose landing gear failure. EASA clarifies that it does not issue mandatory directives for this issue as it is not related to design approval but provides safety information to alert operators.

Why it matters

The issue is critical because fatigue cracks in the nose landing gear welds can cause structural failure and potential collapse during landing, posing a serious safety risk. Operators and maintenance teams must be aware of the defect to prevent accidents and ensure continued airworthiness. Compliance with the LBA directive is essential for aircraft registered in EU member states to maintain safe operations.