AD/Bell 206/177 Main Rotor Pitch Horn Trunnion Bearing (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 206/177 Main Rotor - Pitch Horn Trunnion Bearing 5/2009 TX

Applicability:

AB206A and AB206B helicopters, all serial numbers, if fitted with trunnion bearings part number (P/N) 206-011-105-1.

Requirement:

1.    Unless previously accomplished, inspect the installed trunnion bearings P/N
206-011-105-1 to identify a missing lubrication passage as detailed in Agusta Alert BT 206-245 dated 20 March 2009.

2.    If it is identified that the lubrication passage is missing, replace the part with a serviceable bearing.

3.    Do not install trunnion bearings P/N 206-011-105-1 on any helicopter, unless inspected in accordance with Agusta Alert BT 206-245.

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.

Note:  EASA Emergency AD 2009-0067-E dated 20 March 2009 refers.

Compliance:

For Requirement 1 - Within 5 flight hours after the effective date of this AD and no later than 30 March 2009, whichever occurs first.

For Requirement 2 - Before further flight.

For Requirement 3 - After the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 March 2009.

Background: There has been one case of a trunnion bearing, P/N 206-011-105-1, manufactured without the lubrication hole.  This non-conformity, if not detected and corrected, would adversely affect the pitch horn proper functioning, which could lead to an unsafe condition.

Mark Sinclair
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

23 March 2009