Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
The aircraft manufacturer, ATR, did not provide a maintenance inspection to specifically assess the effect of an in-flight pitch disconnect on the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilisers. As a result, if an in-flight pitch disconnect occurred, the aircraft may not be inspected at a level commensurate with the criticality of the event. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | AO-2014-032-SI-07 |
| Issue owner | ATR |
| Transport function | Aviation: Air transport |
| Issue status | Closed – Adequately addressed |
| Date issue released | 24/05/2019 |
| Issue status justification |
The ATSB considers that the action taken by ATR addresses this safety issue. |
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Action number | AO-2014-032-NSA-055 |
| Organisation | ATR |
| Action date | 24/05/2019 |
| Action description |
In September 2015, ATR issued a new job instruction card (JIC 55-10-00-DVI-10000) ‘DVI of Horizontal to Vertical Junction’ to be complied with following an in-flight pitch disconnect. This required use of an access platform to remove panels and conduct a detailed visual inspection of the tailplane attachment fittings and structural components. ATR also revised JIC 27-31-42-REA-10000 so that re-clutching of the pitch uncoupling mechanism would require conduct of the new JIC. In February 2016, ATR issued an All Operators Message (AOM: 42/72/2016/03 issue 1) to advise of the release of new maintenance documentation such as JIC 55-10-00-DVI-10000 related to in-flight pitch disconnect occurrences. ATR recommended that operators familiarise themselves with the updated maintenance documentation. |
| Action status | Closed |