FAA Issues Airworthiness Directive for Certain Airbus A320 Family Jets, Fatigue Cracks

FAA

We [FAA] are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-112, -113, and -132 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, and -232 airplanes; and Model A321-111 and -131 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by a report of two fatigue cracks on the lefthand and right-hand sides of the continuity fittings at the front windshield lower framing on a Model A319 series airplane.

This AD requires a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for any cracking on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the windshield central lower node continuity fittings, and repair if necessary.

We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the windshield central lower node continuity fittings, which could reduce the structural integrity of the airplane.

This AD becomes effective August 14, 2013.