A-03-008
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Issue an airworthiness directive requiring all operators of transport-category airplanes with pressure vessel repairs identified as a result of applying the criteria discussed in Safety Recommendation A-03-07 (other than those covered by Service Bulletin 747-53A2489) to: (1) immediately remove the repair doubler to determine whether hidden damage that could lead to multiple-site fatigue damage (MSD) or fatigue cracking is present and, if so, repair the damage in accordance with the applicable structural repair manual (SRM) or (2) perform repetitive visual and nondestructive inspections for MSD and fatigue cracking at appropriately conservative intervals until the doubler is removed and, if any cracking is detected, immediately remove the doubler and repair the damage in accordance with the applicable SRM. The results of these inspections should be provided to the FAA. The only repairs that should be eligible for exemption from these requirements are those that are supported by credible and detailed engineering documentation substantiating that the repair was performed in accordance with the applicable SRM and only after a visual inspection to confirm that the repair conforms to that documentation.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must issue an airworthiness directive requiring operators of transport-category airplanes with specific pressure vessel repairs to either immediately remove the repair doubler to inspect for hidden damage or perform repetitive visual and nondestructive inspections for fatigue cracking. Only repairs supported by credible engineering documentation showing compliance with the applicable structural repair manual and verified by visual inspection are eligible for exemption.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Alternate Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Dec 18, 2012 |
| NTSB number | DCA02RA038 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).