EASA AD 2026-0100: Airbus A330 Engine Nose Cowl Cracks
In-flight detachment of nacelle structure is a serious hazard. A330 operators and crews flying these Rolls-Royce-powered variants should confirm where their airframes sit against the 8,000-cycle threshold.
EASA AD 2026-0100 took effect June 4, 2026, requiring repetitive inspections of the air-intake nose cowl (P/N SJ30820) on Airbus A330-243, -243F, -341, -342, -343, and -743L aircraft. Cracks have been reported in the lip skin, top-hat stiffener, and forward bulkhead; combined with a broken piccolo tube, the condition could lead to in-flight detachment of the outer barrel. The initial inspection is due before the affected part exceeds 8,000 flight cycles or within 24 months of the effective date, whichever is later, then at repetitive intervals not exceeding 8,000 flight cycles. The AD references Airbus SB A330-71-3044.