EASA orders checks to Airbus RATs

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued an airworthiness directive for operators of Airbus aircraft fitted with Hamilton Sundstrand ram air turbines (RATs) to inspect and replace faulty parts.

The AD came after the manufacturer reported a failure during wind tunnel testing of a balance weight fastening screw on the turbine. Investigations by Hamilton found that a batch of the screws had not been subject to the correct heat treatment, and were susceptible to potential fractures.