Airworthiness Directives; Shorts Model SD3-60 and SD3-SHERPA Series Airplanes

Riepilogo

This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Shorts Model SD3-60 and SD3-SHERPA series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection to detect cracks and/or corrosion of the gland nut on the shock absorber of the main landing gear (MLG), and follow-on actions. The proposal also would require repair or replacement of any cracked/ corroded gland nut with a new nut. This proposal is prompted by a report that, due to stress corrosion and cracking of the gland nut on the shock absorber, the MLG collapsed on an in-service airplane. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such stress corrosion or cracking and consequent reduced structural integrity of the gland nut, which could result in separation of the shock absorber cylinder from the MLG shock absorber body and, consequently, lead to the collapse of the MLG during landing.