AD FAA-2012-0185

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes, and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the forward lug of the main landing gear (MLG) rib 5 aft bearing attachment. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the left-hand (LH) and right- hand (RH) wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the LH and RH wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, which could affect the structural integrity of the MLG attachment, resulting in MLG collapse during landing or rollout with consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.