AD/Bell 206/130 Amdt 3 Main Landing Gear Cross Tubes (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BELL 206/130 Amdt 2 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 206/130 Amdt 3 Main Landing Gear Cross Tubes 3/2009

Applicability:

All models of Bell 206 and Agusta Bell 206 helicopters fitted with crosstube assemblies as identified in the requirement document.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the technical requirements of Transport Canada AD
CF-95-17.

Note:  Aeronautical Accessories Report AA-94023 is superseded by Report
AA-01149. Aeronautical Accessories Report AA-94022 is superseded by Report
AA-01147.

Compliance:

As specified in the requirement document with the revised calendar date of
31 March 2009 for incorporation into the aircraft inspection program, unless previously accomplished.

This Amendment becomes effective on 12 March 2009.

Background:

Two instances of severe cracking of crosstubes not manufactured by Aeronautical Accessories Inc. have occurred within Australia. Aeronautical Accessories have issued inspection and modification instructions to prevent similar occurrences with their crosstubes.

Amendment 1 extended the applicability to the 206L series and included the yearly inspection interval limit.

Amendment 2 made reference to the originating State of Design AD and mandates requirements for all affected main landing gear crosstube assemblies.  It also requires compliance with an updated Model 206L inspection document.

This amendment makes reference to the updated Model 206A & B inspection document.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 January 2009