A-86-001
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: ISSUE AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO REQUIRE AN IMMEDIATE INSPECTION OF ALL BOEING 747 AIRPLANES HAVING AN APPROPRIATE MINIMUM NUMBER OF OPERATING CYCLES TO VERIFY THAT ALL BOLTS FOR THE NOS. 1 THROUGH 3 AND NOS. 6 THROUGH 8 FLAP TRACK FORWARD ATACHMENT FITTINGS ARE TORQUED ADEQUATELY. IF ANY OF THE BOLTS ARE BROKEN OR ARE NOT TORQUED ADEQUATELY, ALL OF THE BOLTS FROM THE FORWARD ATTACHMENT FITTING WITH THE BROKEN OR UNDERTORQUED BOLT SHOULD BE REMOVED AND INSPECTED BY AN FAA-APPROVED METHOD AND THE BOLTS FOR THE OTHER ATTACHMENTS OF THE AFFECTED FLAP TRACK SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR ADEQUATE TORQUE BEFORE FURTHER FLIGHT. (URGENT)
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB urges the FAA to mandate an immediate inspection of specific bolts on Boeing 747 flaps to ensure they are tightened correctly. This action is necessary because loose or broken fasteners could compromise the structural integrity of the flap attachment points. If any bolt fails this check, all related hardware must be removed for detailed examination before the aircraft can fly again.
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 Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jan 12, 1987 |
| NTSB number | DCA86AA011 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).