AD FAA-2010-1312

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD requires installing foreign object debris (FOD) rubber shields over the primary and secondary external power connectors for certain airplanes, and wrapping silicone tape around the hydraulic tube for certain other airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a fire in the main equipment center due to failure of an external power connector, which caused high-temperature arcing and subsequent splatter of molten copper on an adjacent hydraulic tube, creating a hole in the tube and spraying hydraulic fluid into the power connector, resulting in a fire. In addition there were several reports of overheating or arcing of external power connectors, and one report of a fire due to arcing caused by FOD. We are issuing this AD to prevent FOD from entering the primary and secondary external power connectors, which could result in overheating or arcing and consequent fire in the main equipment center.