AD/Bell 412/58 Fuselage Left Upper Cap Angle (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 412 Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 412/58 Fuselage Left Upper Cap Angle 11/2009 DM

Applicability:

Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters, all serial numbers.

Requirement:

Inspect the fuselage left upper cap angle part number 212-030-191-1, in accordance with Agusta Mandatory Technical Bulletin 412-128 dated 17 August 2009, or later EASA approved revision.

If cracks are detected, before further flight, contact Agusta for further instructions and corrective actions.

Note:  EASA AD 2009-0185 refers.

Compliance:

Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this Directive, but not later than
30 November 2009, whichever occurs first; and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 flight hours.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 3 September 2009.

Background:

A report was received of one failure of the fuselage left upper cap angle on a Model AB412EP helicopter.  Preliminary investigation revealed that a Hi-lock hole was the origin of the cracking.  The requirements of this Directive are considered interim action, and further actions may be required.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

21 August 2009