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 fuselage spoiler cable disconnect sensing device was installed in production on later DHC-8 Series 100/200/300 aircraft, and on all DHC-8 Series 400 aircraft. On earlier DHC-8 Series 100/200/300 aircraft, its installation was mandated by [Canadian] Airworthiness Directive CF-2006-13 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2007-21-16]. However, several incorrectly assembled spoiler cable disconnect sensing devices have recently been discovered on in-service aircraft. A pulley and plastic spacer had been inadvertently interchanged during assembly of the device in production, resulting in the spoiler cable sliding on the spacer rather than on the pulley, as designed. Continued operation with an incorrectly assembled spoiler cable disconnect sensing device could result in impaired operation of the sensing device and/or an eventual fuselage spoiler cable disconnect, with possible reduced controllability of the aircraft.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.