AD 2018-23-05
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Airbus | SAS | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
A deviation was identified on certain A350 aeroplanes, where a gap check between some wing rib feet and the wing lower cover (WLC) was not systematically performed. Due to tolerance build-up during wing manufacture, close gap between the WLC and wing rib feet could occur in some locations. Under some flight loading conditions, intermittent or permanent contact may occur. This condition, if not detected and corrected, combined with an empty fuel tank or fuel level below the rib foot area, could create an ignition source for the fuel vapour inside the tanks which, in case of a lightning strike of high intensity in the immediate area, could possibly result in ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the affected fuel tank and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
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Required Actions
This AD requires revising the operator's minimum equipment list (MEL) to change certain MEL items. This AD also requires an inspection for discrepancies and structural damage of certain wing rib foot locations, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The inspection is intended to detect structural damage as well as other discrepancies including missing sealant at each wing rib foot location and a close gap between the wing rib foot and the WLC inboard and outboard side of the rib. Corrective actions include rework of the wing rib foot and repair.
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Compliance Time
Before further flight
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Affected Aircraft
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
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Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 4, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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