ABOVE: Happily, the AD – issued to address potential spar weakness – is limited to very few DR400s

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive for some models of Robin’s DR400. The AD – which pertains to the wing spar – was subsequently adopted by the UK CAA. It grounds a few aircraft immediately, with inspections required on others, but the majority of the DR400 fleet is unaffected.

According to EASA, ‘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 seven 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 a Service Bulletin (SB) to provide information about the affected parts and to introduce the flight prohibition recommendation. This AD also requires amendment of the applicable Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), is considered to be an interim action and further AD action may follow.’

The Directive is EASA EAD 2022-0267-E, adopted by the UK CAA under the same name. At press time, the affected aeroplanes appeared to be the ones with the following serial numbers: 2690, 2694, 2696 to 2699 inclusive, 2709 to 2712 inclusive, 2714, 2715, 2720, 2724, 2725, 2727 to 2731 inclusive, 2734, 2735, 2738, 2751, 2766, 2767 and 2772.

PHOTO: KEITH WILSON