AD/Bell 206/157 Door Handle (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (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 206/157 Door Handle 3/2005 DM

Applicability:

Model 206B helicopters, serial numbers 3567 through 4577, and 5101 through 5284.

Requirement:

Inspect the inside door handle assembly in accordance with Part I of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-04-102, dated 24 September 2004, or later Transport Canada approved revision.

If the inspection results call for rework of the handle, perform this task in accordance with Part II of ASB No. 206-04-102, or later Transport Canada approved revision.

Note:  Transport Canada AD CF-2004-27 refers.

Compliance:

At the next annual inspection after 26 January 2005, but not later than 28 February 2005; unless already accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 26 January 2005.

Background:

It has been determined that the spring pin inside the “D” handle of the inside door may be too short.  This situation, if not corrected, may damage the bore in the “D” handle crossbar and disconnect the handle from the latching mechanism.  Consequently the handle will turn freely, resulting in the inability to open the door, and possibly impeding evacuation in an emergency.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

21 January 2005