Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
A rotating rod in the trailing edge flap control linkage broke in flight. Investigations revealed that the rotating rod had been installed in the wrong side during a maintenance operation. This incorrect installation caused a contact between the rotating rod and its retaining bracket leading, after some time in operation, to the rod breakage and flap asymmetry situation.
The consequence on the airplane of the flap asymmetry combined with a latent failure of the asymmetry detection system is classified as a catastrophic failure condition.
The unsafe condition is failure of the rotating rod in the control linkage of the trailing edgeflap and consequent flap asymmetry during the approach to landing, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.