29 December 2022
An Emergency Airworthiness Directive has been issued for certain models of Robin DR400, grounding some aircraft immediately with inspections required on others.
The AD was issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and subsequently adopted by the UK CAA. It refers to the wing spar.
The AD lists the aircraft affected:
CEAPR DR 400/125, DR 400/140, DR 400/160, DR 400/180, DR 400/180 R, DR 400/2+2, DR 400/120, DR 400/125i, DR 400/140 B, DR 400/120 A, DR 400/160 D, DR 400/120 D, DR 400/180 S, DR 400/100, DR 400 RP, DR 400 NGL, DR 400/200 R and DR 400/200 I aeroplanes, having serial number (s/n) 2444 to 2777 (inclusive), and all aeroplanes (models as listed above) equipped in-service with a wing delivered after 01 February 2000, or overhauled after that date by Robin Aircraft.
EASA said, “Following a routine check on a wing main spar after production deviation from an approved manufacturing method, an affected part was identified. Subsequent investigation determined that 7 batches of affected parts that have been installed on delivered aeroplanes are potentially affected.
“This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced structural strength of the wing, possibly resulting in wing structural failure.
“To address this potential unsafe condition, CEAPR issued the SB [Service Bulletin – Ed] to provide information about the affected parts and to introduce the flight prohibition recommendation.
“For the reason described above, this AD prohibits flights for Group 1 aeroplanes and requires operational limitations for Group 2 aeroplanes. This AD also requires amendment of the applicable Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
“This AD is considered to be an interim action and further AD action may follow.”
Steven Bailey of Mistral Aviation, UK sales partner for Robin Aircraft, said, “No accidents or incidents have occurred. The matter came to light at a quality control review by CEAPR who are, understandably, being very cautious and issued SB 221201.
“As expected, EASA extended CEAPR’s SB affecting 27 aircraft to an EAD. Those 27 aircraft are now grounded pending spar inspection. Two of them are on the ‘G’ register (the other ‘G’ reg aircraft on the list is now on the Belgium register). I expect that the inspection will take place at Darois with the cost of labour and materials being covered by Robin Aircraft and / or CEAPR.
“The EASA AD also limits aircraft delivered after 1 February 2000 to Category N operations. I expect that a spar inspection could be mandated for those aircraft, too, but I have no details yet.
