Cracked Elevators? FAA Orders Fixes for De Havilland Dash 8 Planes
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is making safety updates for certain De Havilland DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes because cracks were found in key elevator parts. Owners must replace bushings, add washers, install reinforcements, and swap out some fittings by June 3, 2026, to keep flying safely. These fixes help prevent bigger problems and keep passengers secure without breaking the bank.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory DHC-8 Safety Fixes Due
If you operate a De Havilland DHC-8-401 or DHC-8-402 airplane, you must do specified repairs and inspections in accordance with Transport Canada AD CF-2025-19 by June 3, 2026. Required actions include replacing bushings, installing new washers, installing doublers at the elevator front spar, replacing horizontal stabilizer rear spar PCU fittings, and performing specified inspections and on-condition actions.
Estimated Compliance Cost Per Airplane
The FAA estimates compliance will take up to 81 work-hours at $85 per hour and up to $14,233 in parts, for a cost per airplane of up to $21,118. The FAA estimates the rule affects 54 U.S.-registered airplanes and the total cost on U.S. operators is up to $1,140,372.
Prevents Elevator Failure and Pitch Loss
The AD targets cracking in elevator PCU brackets and the elevator front spar to prevent failure that could cause an elevator jam. The FAA says the unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, if both elevators are affected, result in the loss of pitch control.
On-Condition Repairs and Approval Requirements
Some inspections may find corrosion, cracking, or other damage that requires on-condition repairs before further flight and those repairs must be approved by the FAA Manager, Transport Canada, or De Havilland's Transport Canada DAO. The FAA says it has no definitive data to estimate costs for these on-condition actions and that some costs may be covered under warranty.
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