# Proposed AD FAA-2011-0997: Airbus Model A330-200 Series Airplanes; Model A330-300 Series Airplanes; Model A340-200 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-300 Series Airplanes

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2012-04-07
- Products: Airbus
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: October 5, 2011, 76 FR 61645
- Comments due: November 21, 2011
- Became: [AD 2012-04-07](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2012-04-07)
- Docket: FAA-2011-0997 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2011-0997, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2011-NM-043-AD
- FR document: 2011-25570
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/df/77/df77fdc28faa7c9629455daebb60d24dec676b308213a8d6fba48976cc22844f (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2011-10-05/pdf/2011-25570.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/10/05/2011-25570/airworthiness-directives-airbus-model-a330-200-series-airplanes-model-a330-300-series-airplanes
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/B2AA349194B62BAF86257920004E2C72.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2011-0997

## 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:

During fatigue testing of the MLG [main landing gear], three failures of the retraction bracket occurred before the calculated life limitation. Further analysis has confirmed that those failures were due to fatigue initiated by fretting between the bush and lug bore.

The failure of the retraction bracket, if not detected, could lead to a MLG extension with no damping resulting in MLG structural damage.

* * * * *

The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

## Notices in this docket

- Oct 5, 2011: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2011-25570, comments due Nov 21, 2011 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/10/05/2011-25570/airworthiness-directives-airbus-model-a330-200-series-airplanes-model-a330-300-series-airplanes)

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