With the premise that the only stupid questions are those which aren't
asked, I have a couple for anyone who'd like to comment on this Mod 73.
As I recall, Mod 73 is a direct outcome of the initial concerns
following William Mills' tragic in-flight break up...particularly a
concern that the triggering event was one of the tailplanes moving
outboard and decoupling from the pins on the torque tube flange.
Following the grounding of UK-based Europas, Mod 73 was devised,
approved, and implemented on the entire UK fleet as well as on many
other aircraft based elsewhere. From the list prepared of those who
implimented Mod 73 (I don't believe) any instances were discovered or
reported of incipient failures.
Subsequently, the accident investigation (if I recall correctly)
determined that the triggering event was a failure caused by the
incorrect location of embedded aluminum plates on the inboard face of
a flap...a condition which precluded the proper threading for the flap
pin which was pulled free and destabilised the aircraft...a condition
totally unrelated to issues intended to be addressed by Mod 73.
If I am even partially incorrect thus far, please enlighten me.
So my questions are:
- Is Mod 73 a required mod for any aircraft based outside of the
UK?...particularly in the US?
- If not, why implement Mod 73 when there is no evidence that a
problem with the original design exists?
- Is Mod 73 an example of a prematurely arrived at "fix", approved and
implemented in a rush to get the Europa fleet airborne again before
the real culprit was determined...and...does it remain in effect today
out of a reluctance of regulatory agencies to set things right?
Thanks for any comments and input,
Fred
A194
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