# AD 54-05-01: CURTISS-WRIGHT Model C-46 Series Aircraft

- Type: Airworthiness directive
- Status: Current
- Products: Airlift International C-46A, C-46D, C-46F, C-46R, C-46E, C-46A, C-46D, C-46E, C-46F, C-46A, C-46D, C-46F and 3 more
- Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD
- Product type: Aircraft, Large airplane
- Registered aircraft: 7 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/F1674FC64C7B623B862569A70071983C.0001
- DRS record last changed: May 30, 2024
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/54-05-01

## The airworthiness directive

54-05-01 CURTISS-WRIGHT: Applies to all C-46 Series aircraft equipped with Landing Gear Retraction Cylinder Heads, Curtiss-Wright P/N S20-313-3044.

Compliance required as soon as practicable but not later than July 15, 1954.

As a result of several failures of the landing gear retraction cylinder head emanating from fatigue cracks occurring in the radius of the O ring groove, it has been found necessary to inspect and rework the landing gear retraction cylinder head to provide a more serviceable part.

Remove the landing gear retraction cylinder head and inspect the upper and lower radii of the O ring groove for cracks by means of a dye penetrant. If cracks are found the part should be replaced. In the event no cracks are present the upper and lower radii of the O ring groove should be increased to 0.040 inch as shown in Figure 4 and again inspected by means of a dye penetrant. If no cracks are found after this inspection, the part may be returned to service; however,if cracks are evident, the part should be replaced.

Note: Smooth machine finish (RMS-32 or better) with no tool marks or discontinuities. No change in size of O ring necessary.

## Affected data sheets (2) (OpenAirDocs)

The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names.

- [TCDS 2A5](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/2A5): Tempo Design Corporation; names 2 of 2 models: C-46/CW20-T, Super C-46/CW20-T
- [TCDS 3A2](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/3A2): Airlift International Inc.; names 1 of 4 models: C-46R

## Registered aircraft it may apply to (OpenAirDocs)

Matched by airframe and engine model; the AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment.

- Aircraft: 7 (7 by airframe model, 0 by engine model)
- Makers: Curtiss Wright 7

Models with the most aircraft:

- [Curtiss Wright C-46F](https://openairdocs.org/model/curtiss-wright-c-46f): 4 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Curtiss Wright C-46A](https://openairdocs.org/model/curtiss-wright-c-46a): 1 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Curtiss Wright C-46D](https://openairdocs.org/model/curtiss-wright-c-46d): 1 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Curtiss Wright C-46R](https://openairdocs.org/model/curtiss-wright-c-46r): 1 aircraft (airframe model)

All 4 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/54-05-01/models.md
Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/54-05-01/aircraft.md

Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.