AD 96-20-03 61 FR 50990

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all de Havilland DHC-8-100 and -300 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections to detect loose bolts at the retract actuator support fitting of the main landing gear, and various follow-on actions, if necessary. That AD was prompted by a report of loose actuator supporting bolts and cracks in the relief radius of the boss at the forward surface of the fittings. This amendment adds a requirement to install a new modification, which, when accomplished, terminates the repetitive inspections. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of hydraulic systems and reduced controllability of the airplane due to loose actuator support bolts or cracks in the relief radius of the boss at the forward surface of the fittings.