AD/Bell 206/163 Vertical Stabiliser Supports and Vertical Stabiliser (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 206/163 Vertical Stabiliser Supports
and Vertical Stabiliser 9/2006

Applicability:

Model 206 A/B helicopters, serial numbers 004 through 3906, equipped with two-piece fin supports, part numbers 206-031-417-003/-007 and 206-031-418-001/-005.

Requirement:

1.    Accomplish the inspection and restoration as indicated for the applicable vertical stabiliser and its supports in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin 206-06-107, or later Transport Canada approved revision.

2.    Amend the maintenance program as specified in BHT-206A/B-Series-MM, Revision 4, to require a recurring torque check of the vertical stabiliser attaching hardware at the scheduled 100-hr / annual inspection.

Note:  Transport Canada AD CF-2006-12 refers.

Compliance:

At the next scheduled 100-hour or annual inspection, but not later than 3 months after 31 August 2006.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 31 August 2006.

Background:

Investigation of a recent accident revealed that the vertical stabiliser (fin) supports had failed.  During the investigation it was observed that the tail boom vertical fin supports and the adjoining mating surface of the vertical fin inserts were painted.  Painting of these surfaces is not appropriate since the paint coating may affect the stability or permanence of the installation.  In addition, paint on the supports may affect inspection of the joint.  The corrective action required by this Directive is specific to the earlier design tail boom that utilised forged supports.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

19 July 2006