AL 2001-03
16 July 2001
Door Chassis
installing new door struts. The AME performing the task noticed the strut attachment points on the door chassis were bent. A closer examination revealed that part of the chassis was cracked and could have broken off had the part been able to bend any further. The operator carried out a fleet campaign and three other chassis were found bent, two of which were cracked.
Transport Canada recently conducted an aging aircraft inspection on another operator's Dash 8 aircraft and found its door chassis bent at the same location. In all cases reported, the aircraft configuration was pre S/B 8-52-59.
Should this part fail, gas strut assistance for the door will be substantially reduced. There would be excessive door weight when expecting normal operation, which presents a potential for personal injury. The possibility also exists that the door could jam due to an unsecured gas strut.
Transport Canada highly recommends inspection of the door chassis for defects at your earliest convenience.
Any defects or further occurrences should be reported by sending a Service Difficulty Report to Transport Canada, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa.
For further information, contact a Transport Canada Centre, or Mr. Steve Dudka, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa, telephone (613) 952-4361, facsimile (613) 996-9178 or e-mail dudkas@tc.gc.ca.
For Director, National Aircraft Certification
B. Goyaniuk
Chief, Continuing Airworthiness