Aviation safety issues and actions
Use of eddy current inspection for airworthiness directive AD/PZL/5
| Issue number: | AO-2013-187-SI-03 |
|---|---|
| Who it affects: | All operators of M18 aircraft that have had their M18s inspected using the eddy current procedure QP.00.36 (EC) |
| Issue owner: | Aviation NDT Services Pty Ltd |
| Operation affected: | Aviation: General aviation |
| Background: | Investigation Report AO-2013-187 |
| Date: | 15 February 2016 |
Safety issue description
The eddy current inspection used on VH-TZJ, and other M18 aircraft, had not been approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority as an alternate means of compliance to airworthiness directive AD/PZL/5. This exposed those aircraft to an inspection method that was potentially ineffective at detecting cracks in the wing attachment fittings.
Proactive Action
| Action organisation: | Civil Aviation Safety Authority |
|---|---|
| Action number: | AO-2013-187-NSA-050 |
| Date: | 15 February 2016 |
| Action status: | Closed |
On 15 November 2013, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued an amendment to airworthiness directive AD/PZL/5, revoking the approval for the eddy current procedure to be used for M18 wing joint inspections. It also added a 100‑hourly visual inspection, and additional wing-off inspections in M18 aircraft every 2,500 hours. CASA also issued a direction to all registered operators of M18 aircraft in Australia that the aircraft could be flown after compliance with the amended AD.
On 22 November 2013, CASA issued AD/PZL/5 Amendment 2, to additionally require:
- completion of magnetic particle inspections on M18 aircraft with less than 2,500 hours’ time in service
- allow the use of CASA-approved alternative magnetic particle inspection methods
- reduce the complexity of the AD
- make corrections to reference documents.
| Current issue status: | Adequately addressed |
|---|---|
| Status justification: | The ATSB is satisfied that the actions taken by CASA address the safety risk associated with this issue. |