AD 53-21-01

53-21-01 de HAVILLAND: Applies to All Model DHC-2 (Beaver) Aircraft.

Compliance required as indicated.

Several cases have been reported where mechanics in the field upon assembling DHC-2 wings to fuselage have installed extra washers, packing, etc., to the rear spar wing bolt in order to take out any end play. It should be pointed out that a clearance is purposely provided in this fitting as the rear wing attachment is not designed to take drag loads.

All Beaver aircraft should be inspected as soon as possible but not later than December 1, 1953, to see that no washers, bushings, etc., have been installed in this fitting and if found they should be removed immediately.

In assembling the wing to fuselage, the front spar must be attached and then the rear wing bolt should be installed. It is quite normal that the rear spar wing fitting should not touch either inboard side of the fuselage fitting, but in most cases the wing fitting is almost against the forward side. The gaps in the fittings front and rear should not be packed with washers or spacers.

The FAA concurs in this mandatory action by the Canadian Department of Transport.

(de Havilland Technical News Sheet, Series B, No. 67, dated August 31, 1953, available from de Havilland Aircraft of Canada, Ltd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, covers this same subject.)