Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked support strut body ends at a certain frame location of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS). This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the strut ends of the THS support located at a certain frame in the tail cone, and replacement if necessary; and reinstallation or installation of reinforcing clamps on certain strut ends. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracked support strut body ends of the THS, which could lead to the loss of all four THS support struts and which would make the remaining structure unable to carry limit loads, resulting in the loss of the horizontal tail plane.