EASA 2018-0022

AD requires repetitive inspections of the ball joint located downstream of the wing anti-ice valve and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions and inspections of wing anti-ice pipes. Prompted by reports of metallic debris found in slat piccolo tubes. A technical investigation revealed that debris originated from the flow guide of the ball joint. It was also determined that small debris gathers at the end of the piccolo tube, but larger pieces of debris might stop before, in the distribution piping, restricting the airflow and potentially leading to undetected insufficient wing anti-ice capability.