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Uncertified Aircraft Configuration A340 &330
Started by
rattler
, Dec 01 2008 09:11 AM
5 replies to this topic
#1
rattler
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Posted 01 December 2008 - 09:11 AM
Trust in the computer, nothing can go wrong. But in this case it was provoked by a human.
| QUOTE |
| EASA SIB No: 2008 – 86 This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory. EASA Form 117 Page 1/2 EASA Safety Information Bulletin SIB No.: 2008 – 86 Issued: 18 November 2008 Subject: Uncertified Aircraft Configuration Ref. Publication: OIT SE 999.0085/04/BB dated 21 July 2004; OIT SE 999.0079/08/LB dated 02 October 2008; SIL 27-150 Revision 01 dated 31 October 2008. Description: 1. In September 2008, during the flare phase, the elevators of an A330 aircraft remained at neutral position for several seconds whereas the pilots had ordered a pitch up movement through the side sticks. This resulted in a severe hard landing and subsequent main landing gear replacement. While troubleshooting the event, the following Flight Control Primary Computer (FCPC) configuration was found: - Part Number (P/N) LA2K1A100DA0000 (P8/M17 standard) was fitted in FCPC1 and FCPC3 positions. - P/N LA2K2B100D80000 (P7/M16 standard) was fitted in FCPC2 position. Investigations and testing have demonstrated that, with this unauthorized FCPC configuration, FCPC2 sent erroneous orders to the elevator servo-controls, leading to force fighting between the actuators and unwanted elevators movement.2. Similar event had occurred in 2004, during the power-up sequence of an A340, all ground spoilers partially extended whereas they have to remain fully retracted. While troubleshooting the event, the following FCPC configuration was found: - FCPC1 was of P/N LA2K1A100220000 (standard L15); - FCPC2 was of P/N LA2K1A100240000 (standard L16A); - FCPC3 was of P/N LA2K1A100230000 (standard L16). According to AIRBUS documentation (Illustrated Parts Catalog, Airbus Service Bulletins and referenced Service Information Letter (SIL), both events are due to not authorized mixed configuration. EASA SIB No: 2008 – 86 This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory. EASA Form 117 Page 2/2 EASA recommendations: (a) To prevent an uncertified configuration that may result in unexpected operation of the aircraft systems, valid for all aircraft components, Owners and Operators should adhere to the interchangeability and mixability rules given in AIRBUS Type Certificate Holder documentation. (  To remind to the EU Member States their States of Registryresponsibilities to verify that any A330/A340 aircraft on their registers is in compliance with AIRBUS Type Certificate Holder documentation. Applicability: AIRBUS A330 aircraft, models -201, -202, -203, -223, -243, - 301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342 and -343, all serial numbers. AIRBUS A340 aircraft, models -211, -212, -213, -311, -312, - 313, -541, -542, -642 and -643, all serial numbers. Contact: For further information contact the Airworthiness Directives, Safety Management & Research Section, Certification Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu. |
#2
boestar
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Posted 01 December 2008 - 11:29 AM
yes...in this day and age, not only does the AME need to look at the part number of the components but also, in the case of "black boxes", the software level or mod status. This can be difficult for some old school guys to wrap their heads around sometimes and errors like this can happen.
#3
Robert
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Posted 06 December 2008 - 06:36 PM
This is one of the problems with airbus, too many bloody computer mods,you end up with units that are NOT interchangeable with the others. I find I am spending more time checking for compatibility each time I change a unit. I am surprised that more of this has not happened
#4
conehead
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Posted 07 December 2008 - 01:16 PM
| QUOTE (Robert @ Dec 6 2008, 10:36 PM) |
| I find I am spending more time checking for compatibility each time I change a unit. |
Absolutely, you have to take this time to check. No way around it these days... And don't ever trust another person that has ordered a part for you, that it is compatible....
#5
AME
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Posted 08 December 2008 - 07:05 AM
One would think that if the incompatibility was such that it caused a loss of control that they would re-key the connectors, and issue a SB/Mod to re-key the aircraft connectors to match once a complete set of post-mod computers were available and installed.
#6
boestar
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Posted 09 December 2008 - 01:24 PM
| QUOTE (AME @ Dec 8 2008, 11:05 AM) |
| One would think that if the incompatibility was such that it caused a loss of control that they would re-key the connectors, and issue a SB/Mod to re-key the aircraft connectors to match once a complete set of post-mod computers were available and installed. |
HMMM...Common sense ain't all that common.
