AD 2019-15-09

This AD is effective September 19, 2019.

None.

This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers (S/Ns) 4001 through 4547 inclusive, having outboard spoiler actuator mounting brackets with part numbers (P/Ns) 85714052-101 or 85714052-102.

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked outboard spoiler actuator mounting bracket. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of the outboard spoiler actuator mounting brackets, which could cause inoperability or jam of a single spoiler panel and possible jam of the aileron circuit. This condition, if not corrected, could adversely affect the continued safe operation and landing of the airplane.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection for cracks in the left and right outboard spoiler actuator mounting brackets having P/N 85714052-101 or 85714052-102 (belonging to assemblies having P/N 85714018-001 or P/N 85714018-002, respectively), in accordance with Section 3.B, Part A, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-72, Revision A, dated November 9, 2017. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 flight hours.

(1) For airplanes having less than 12,000 total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 18,000 total flight hours.

(2) For airplanes having 12,000 total flight hours or more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.

(1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, either the left or right outboard spoiler actuator mounting bracket is found cracked: Before further flight, replace both the left and right brackets with new bracket assemblies having P/N 85714018-003 or P/N 85714018-004, including doing all applicable related investigative actions and corrective actions, in accordance with Section 3.B, Part B, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-72, Revision A, dated November 9, 2017; except, where the service information specifies contacting Bombardier for corrective action, this AD requires accomplishing the action using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no cracking is found on the left and right outboard spoiler actuator mounting brackets, and the left and right outboard spoiler actuator mounting brackets have not already been replaced per the requirements of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: Replace both the left and right brackets with new bracket assemblies having P/N 85714018-003 or P/N 85714018-004, including doing all applicable related investigative actions and corrective actions, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (h)(2)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with Section 3.B, Part B, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-72, Revision A, dated November 9, 2017; except, where the service information specifies contacting Bombardier for corrective action, this AD requires accomplishing the action using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. Related investigative and corrective actions must be done before further flight.

(i) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 34,000 total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Replace the outboard spoiler actuator mounting brackets prior to the airplane accumulating 40,000 total flight hours.

(ii) For airplanes that have accumulated 34,000 total flight hours or more as of the effective date of this AD: Replace the outboard spoiler actuator mounting brackets within 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.

Replacement of an outboard spoiler actuator mounting bracket, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD, is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD for the replaced bracket.

This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-72, dated January 19, 2017.

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2018-21R1, effective November 1, 2018, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0120.

(2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: 516-287-7329; fax: 516-794-5531; email: Aziz.Ahmed@faa.gov.

(3) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-72, Revision A, dated November 9, 2017.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-4539; email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; internet http://www.bombardier.com.

(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.