AD/Dauphin/93 Fuselage Upper Fin/Fenestron Fittings (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.

Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters

AD/DAUPHIN/93 Fuselage - Upper Fin/Fenestron Fittings 12/2007 DM

Applicability:

SA 365N1, AS365N2 and N3 and SA366G1 all serial numbers.

Requirement:

1.    For fittings that have accumulated 4,985 or more flying hours at the effective date of this AD, perform an inspection of the forward and aft upper fittings and of the forward and aft lower fittings of the upper fin in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of EC EASB No. 05.00.55 or 05.38, depending on the affected helicopter type.

2.    For fittings that have accumulated less than 4,985 flying hours at the effective date of this AD, perform an inspection of the forward and aft upper fittings and of the forward and aft lower fittings of the upper fin in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of EC EASB No. 05.00.55 or 05.38, depending on the affected helicopter type.

If fittings are found cracked, replace the cracked fittings as per paragraph 2.B. of EC EASB No. 05.00.55 or 05.38, depending on the affected helicopter type.  Report any defects to the manufacturer and CASA via a Service Difficulty Report (SDR).

Note 1:  If the operating hours of the Upper fin/Fenestron fittings are unknown or not tracked, use the total airframe hours instead.

Note 2:  EASA Emergency AD 2007-0259-E, dated 28 September 2007, refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within 15 flying hours after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 110 flying hours.

2.    Before accumulating 5,000 flying hours and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 110 flying hours.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 3 October 2007.

Background:

This Airworthiness Directive is issued following a recent in-flight event that occurred on an EC155B1 helicopter where the fin was lost due to a crack in the fitting attaching the upper fin on the fenestron.

Eurocopter is currently investigating the failure of the fitting. Pending the results of the investigation, this AD introduces a periodic check of the fittings attaching the upper fin on SA 365, AS 365 and SA366 helicopters which are fitted with the same fin design as the EC155.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

2 October 2007