# Federal Register #FAA-2026-8810

FAA Airworthiness Directive for De Havilland DHC-8-401/402 Aircraft – Fuel Leak Inspection and Maintenance

**Buyer:** Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration
**Posted:** September 16, 2026
**Respond By:** November 02, 2026
**Identifier:** FAA-2026-8810
**NAICS:** 488190

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive for De Havilland DHC-8-401 and DHC-8-402 aircraft to address a potential fuel leak risk.
- Government Buyer:
  - Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- OEMs and Vendors:
  - De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.)
- Products/Services Requested:
  - Detailed visual inspection of bracket assembly (part number 85714524001) for signs of fuel leakage and proper sealing
  - Application of sealant to bracket assembly and fasteners if required
  - Compliance with Transport Canada AD CF202569 and FAA-specific exceptions
  - Estimated 35 affected airplanes in U.S. registry
- Unique/Notable Requirements:
  - Focus on inspection and corrective maintenance, not procurement of new parts
  - FAA-specific exceptions to compliance times and terminology
  - Addresses omission of sealing instructions that could allow fuel to leak from wing fuel tank into wing dry bay
  - No replacement parts or products are being procured; directive is for maintenance actions only

### Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and DHC-8-402 airplanes. This AD addresses a report that instructions for sealing a bracket on the inboard surface of the tank rib were omitted, potentially allowing fuel to leak from the wing fuel tank into the wing dry bay. The proposed AD requires a detailed visual inspection for fuel leakage and the presence of seals, along with applicable on-condition actions to prevent fuel vapor exposure and risk of explosion. Comments on the proposal are due by November 2, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/16/2026-18956/airworthiness-directives-de-havilland-aircraft-of-canada-limited-type-certificate-previously-held-by)