EASA AD No.: 2012-0045 

EASA Form 110 Page 1/2 

EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

AD No.: 2012-0045 

Date: 21 March 2012 

Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with Regulation 

(EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States and of the 

European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of that 

Regulation. 

This AD is issued in accordance with EC 1702/2003, Part 21A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the 

continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate an 

aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD, unless otherwise specified by the Agency [EC 

2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption]. 

Type Approval Holder’s Name : 

EADS CASA 

Type/Model designation(s) : 

CN-235 aeroplanes 

TCDS Number: EASA.A.186 

Foreign AD: Not applicable 

Supersedure: None 

ATA 26 Fire Protection – Engine Fire Extinguisher Discharge Cartridge 

Wiring – Inspection 

Manufacturer(s): EADS CASA, formerly Construcciones Aeronáuticas S.A.(CASA) 

Applicability: CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN-235-300 aeroplanes all serial 

numbers.

Reason: Reports have been received of finding wrong electrical polarity connections of 

engine fire extinguishing discharge cartridges on CASA CN-235 aeroplanes. 

The results of the subsequent investigation showed that the incorrect discharge 

cartridge assembly was caused by production line errors. 

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the actuation of the 

discharge cartridge in case of automatic fire detection or manual initiation in 

case of engine fire, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to 

occupants. 

To address this potential unsafe condition, EADS CASA (Airbus Military) 

developed instructions to identify erroneous wiring polarity installation. 

For the reasons described above this AD requires a one-time inspection to 

verify proper electrical polarity of wiring of each engine fire extinguisher 

discharge cartridge and, depending on findings, corrective action. 

Effective Date: 04 April 2012 
EASA AD No.: 2012-0045 

EASA Form 110 Page 2/2 

Required Action(s) 

and Compliance 

Time(s): 

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: 

(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish a one-time 

inspection to identify correct polarity of each pair of electrical connectors of 

each engine fire extinguisher cartridge, in accordance with the instructions 

of Airbus Military All Operator Letter (AOL) 235-020. 

(2) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, erroneous 

wiring polarity installation is detected, before next flight, report to Airbus 

Military for approved instructions and accomplish those instructions 

accordingly. 

Ref. Publications: Airbus Military AOL 235-020 dated 9 March 2012. 

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD. 

Remarks : 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve Alternative 

Methods of Compliance for this AD. 

2. The safety assessment has requested not to implement the full consultation 

process and an immediate publication and notification. 

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information 

Section, Executive Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu. 

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements in 

this AD, please contact: 

EADS CASA (Airbus Military) 

Services / Engineering Support 

e-mail: MTA.TechnicalService@military.airbus.com. 

Fax: +34 91 585 3127