Airbus A330 - Service Difficulty Alert

AL 2004-06
5 November 2004

Main Landing Gear SM9 Pin Retention Bolt

Transport Canada has been informed, that an Airbus A330 was undergoing heavy maintenance (C2 check) and maintenance personnel discovered the main landing gear oleo upper retention bolt sheared.Transport Canada was informed by an operator, that an Airbus A330 was undergoing a C2 check in preparation for doing a seal change on the right main landing gear.

 

Pin SM8 UNI 32-10-1337
Chrome Damage (rotated 180o / )

 

During the disassembly of the right main landing gear for a routine seal change, it was discovered that the SM9 pin retention bolt, CMM 32-12-02-51-50, was had sheared at the bolt head. The bolt, P/N NAS6605D136, retains the pin end caps. One end cap was found on the outer surface of the shock strut assembly. After a detailed examination, further collateral damage on the piston was discovered as well as 50% chrome loss on pin SM8.

The aircraft had accumulated approximately 13,548 flying hours and ,2,372 landings. Based on physical evidence, tWith the shank of the SM9 pin-retainingpin retaining bolt broke, this allowing thepermitted the retaining end cap on the outboard end of the pin to fall off. Unrestrained, the SM8 pin migrated approximately 1" inoutboard from its installed position, which is flush with the lower connecting link.

The outboard retaining end cap, with the sheared bolt head, was discovered on the shock strut piston stuck in grease.

Transport Canada strongly recommends operators of this model aircraft inspect the main landing gear retention bolt at their earliest convenience.

Any defects or further occurrences should be reported by sending a Service Difficulty Report to Transport Canada, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa.

For further information, contact a Transport Canada Centre, or Mr. Steve Dudka, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa, telephone (613) 952-4361, facsimile (613) 996-9178 or e-mail dudkas@tc.gc.ca.

For Director, Aircraft Certification

B. Goyaniuk
Chief, Continuing Airworthiness

Note: For the electronic version of this document, please consult the following Web address:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/aircraft-airworthiness/aircraft-certification