Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-23- 02, for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN- 235-200, CN-235-300, and C-295 airplanes. AD 2013-23-02 currently requires an inspection of the feeder cables of certain fuel booster pumps for damage (including, but not limited to, signs of electrical arcing and fuel leaks), and replacement if necessary. Since we issued AD 2013-23-02, we have determined that a modification is necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2013-23-02 and would also require modification of the electrical installation of the fuel booster pumps. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to certain fuel booster pumps, which could create an ignition source in the fuel tank vapor space, and result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.