AD/F100/27 - MLG Torque Link Connections (Cth)

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

Fokker F100 (F28 Mk 100) Series Aeroplanes

AD/F100/27 MLG Torque Link Connections 4/99

Applicability: F.28 MK.0100 aircraft, all serial numbers, fitted with either Menasco Aerospace, Ltd. Or Messier-Dowty, Ltd. Main Landing Gear (MLG) Assemblies.

Requirement: Inspect all Menasco Aerospace, Ltd. MLG Assemblies and Messier-Dowty, Ltd. MLG Assemblies, in accordance with procedures in Fokker Services' All Operator Message AOF100.013, Reference TS96.68988 dated 19 December 1996.

Note: RLD BLA 1996-147(A) refers.

Compliance: For all Menasco Aerospace MLG assemblies, including assemblies not fitted to aircraft, unless previously carried out, inspect within 1 week or before further flight, whichever occurs last.

For all Messier-Dowty MLG Assemblies, including assemblies not fitted to an aircraft, unless previously carried out, with 1 month or before further flight, whichever occurs last.

Note: It is expected that spares of the listed parts may be held. As these parts may be affected, it is necessary to inspect these spares prior to fitment.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 22 April 1999.

Background: An F.28 Mk.0070 was involved in an incident where the take-off was aborted due to vibration suspected to originate from the Main Landing Gear. Subsequent investigation revealed that on the RH MLG Torque Link, the locking bolt and plate of the apex joint had come loose, allowing the apex bolt, which connects the upper and lower torque links, to loosen as well. In addition, the locking wire, intended to secure the locking bolt, was missing. This Airworthiness Directive requires that affected MLG assemblies be checked to ensure that modifications have been made prior to installation.