FAA mandates 767 landing gear inspections

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) requiring inspections and replacements of damaged main landing gear (MLG) components on all Boeing 767-200, 767-300, and 767-300F aircraft.

767 in Boeing Livery artworkK63810

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) requiring inspections and replacements of damaged main landing gear (MLG) components on all Boeing 767-200, 767-300, and 767-300F aircraft.

The directive follows a reported MLG collapse after maintenance, where improper use of a grinder may have caused heat damage to the landing gear’s outer cylinder.

The FAA’s investigation identified the potential for heat damage to compromise the structural integrity of the outer cylinder, increasing the risk of a gear collapse. Such a failure could lead to loss of control during landing and the potential for a runway excursion, posing a significant safety risk.

The directive mandates the replacement of any affected MLG outer cylinders across Boeing 767 types. This action follows a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued earlier in 2024, which outlined the risks associated with the reported maintenance error and invited public comment.

The NPRM, first published in June and later corrected in July, highlighted the dangers of an MLG collapse, which could prevent critical structural components from withstanding required loads.

Boeing 767 operators must now comply with the AD to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of their fleets.

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