Together with a number of other Australian Tiger Moths, VH-TSG was fitted with non‑standard Joint H attachment bolts that did not conform to the original design with the result that the integrity of the Joint H could not be assured.
The ATSB has contacted de Havilland Support Ltd and the safety action proposed in 2016 has not yet been implemented. Therefore, the safety issue has been closed not adequately addressed. The ATSB remains hopeful that the proposed implementation of a new Technical News Sheet supported by a United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority airworthiness directive will be forthcoming.
A new Tiger Moth Technical News Sheet [TNS] is to be issued in January 2016 by de Havilland Support Ltd, explaining the structural significance of the special-to-type fuselage Joint H bolts, Part No. H37868. The TNS will require verification that the as-designed special bolts are installed. If not, replacement H37868 bolts and new H37869A tie rods will be required to be fitted. It is expected that a UK CAA [United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority] Airworthiness Directive will mandate the TNS actions, ensuring conformity to the original design standard.
