FAA Orders Fixes for Cracked Airplane Elevators
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, install new washers, add 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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory DHC-8-400 Series Fixes
If you operate De Havilland DHC-8-401 or -402 airplanes, you must, by June 3, 2026, replace bushings and install new washers on the elevator PCU arm fitting assembly, install doublers at the elevator front spar (between ribs 12‑13 and 13‑14), and replace horizontal stabilizer rear spar elevator PCU fittings, plus required inspections and on-condition actions as specified in Transport Canada AD CF‑2025‑19. The FAA says this AD applies to 54 U.S.-registered airplanes and lists detailed inspections (eddy current, visual, high-frequency eddy current) as part of the work.
Grounding Until Repairs if Damage Found
If inspections find corrosion, scoring, structural degradation of bushing holes, missing or torn pressure sensitive lightening tape, or cracking at mating holes, the AD requires those issues to be repaired or the tape replaced before further flight using an FAA-, Transport Canada-, or DHC-DAO‑approved method. The AD explicitly requires those repairs or replacements "before further flight."
Completing Fixes Ends Earlier Inspections
Completing the actions required by this AD (as specified in Transport Canada AD CF‑2025‑19) terminates the inspections required by Transport Canada AD CF‑2024‑10 (dated March 1, 2024) that correspond to FAA AD 2025‑19‑05 (90 FR 46340, September 26, 2025).
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