AL 2002-03
30 May 2002
Nose Landing Gear Actuator Support Structure
An operator has reported severe cracking of the nose landing gear actuator support gusset P/N 654581945. The crack extended 3" along the upper angle of the gusset. The defect was discovered during a routine walk around. A fleet campaign by the operator discovered a smaller crack (.75") in the same area on another 737 (See Fig. A).
FAA AD 89-02-04/Boeing SB 737-53-1119 calls attention to this area for a limited range of "line numbers" of this aircraft. The cracking has been reported on aircraft outside of this range. In addition, there are nine other similar occurrences within the SDR database.
To insure integrity of the support structure, Transport Canada strongly recommends that operators of all Boeing 737 aircraft, at their earliest opportunity, perform a detailed visual inspection of the nose landing gear actuator upper attach fitting support structure. If no defects are found, Transport Canada recommends operators amend their 737 maintenance programs to include a detailed visual inspection of this area at each "A" check or equivalent (150 hrs).
Any detects or further occurrences of this nature should be reported Transport Canada, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa via the Service Difficulty Reporting program.
For further information contact a Transport Canada Center, or call Mr. Paul Jones, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa, telephone (613) 952-4431, facsimile (613) 996-9178 or e-mail jonesp@tc.gc.ca.
For Director, National Aircraft Certification
Figure A
B. Goyaniuk
Chief, Continuing Airworthiness