The aircraft manufacturer, ATR, did not provide a maintenance inspection to specifically assess the effect of an in-flight pitch disconnect on the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilisers. As a result, if an in-flight pitch disconnect occurred, the aircraft may not be inspected at a level commensurate with the criticality of the event.
The ATSB considers that the action taken by ATR addresses this safety issue.
In September 2015, ATR issued a new job instruction card (JIC 55-10-00-DVI-10000) ‘DVI of Horizontal to Vertical Junction’ to be complied with following an in-flight pitch disconnect. This required use of an access platform to remove panels and conduct a detailed visual inspection of the tailplane attachment fittings and structural components. ATR also revised JIC 27-31-42-REA-10000 so that re-clutching of the pitch uncoupling mechanism would require conduct of the new JIC.
In February 2016, ATR issued an All Operators Message (AOM: 42/72/2016/03 issue 1) to advise of the release of new maintenance documentation such as JIC 55-10-00-DVI-10000 related to in-flight pitch disconnect occurrences. ATR recommended that operators familiarise themselves with the updated maintenance documentation.
