AD/Bell 430/3 Tail Rotor Counterweight Bellcrank (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) 430 Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 430/3 Tail Rotor Counterweight Bellcrank 10/2005 TX

Applicability:

Model 430 helicopters, serial numbers 49001 through 49105.

Requirement:

1.    Identify the part number of the tail rotor counterweight bellcrank installed on the helicopter and proceed as follows:

If part number 222-012-727-003 is installed, proceed to Requirement 3.

If part number 222-012-727-105 without the prefix letters is installed, proceed to Requirement 2.

Note 1:  Part number 222-012-727-105, with the added prefix letters inscribed on the part before the serial number, satisfies the requirement of this Directive.

2.    Inspect the tail rotor counterweight bellcrank in accordance with Part I of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 430-04-32 Revision A.

3.    Remove from service, tail rotor counterweight bellcrank part numbers
222-012-727-003 and 222-012-727-105 (without prefix letters), in accordance with the following Alert Service Bulletin:

Model 430 helicopters with the following bellcranks:

- Part number 222-012-727-105 bellcranks installed; in accordance with Part II of ASB 430-04-32 Revision A.

- Part number 222-012-727-003 bellcranks installed; in accordance with ASB 430-04-30 Revision B.

Note 2:  Transport Canada AD CF-2005-27 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within 10 flight hours after 19 August 2005.

2.    Within 10 flight hours after 19 August 2005.  Repeat thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 flight hours, until compliance with Requirement 3.

3.    Before 1 April 2006.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 19 August 2005.
Background:	The manufacturer has determined that tail rotor counterweight bellcrank part numbers 222-012-727-003 and 222-012-727-105 may have manufacturing discrepancies, which can result in an in-flight failure.  BHTC also has identified certain correctly manufactured parts that are not affected.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

17 August 2005