AD/Hu 369/117 Tail Rotor Blade Root Fitting (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.

McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters

AD/HU 369/117 Tail Rotor Blade Root Fitting 7/2007 TX

Applicability:

Model 369, 369A, 369H, 369HM, 369HS, 369HE, 369D, 369E, 369F, and 369FF helicopters, equipped with a tail rotor blade part number 369A1613, 369D21606, 369D21613, 369D21615, or 421-088, all dash numbers.

Requirement:

Inspect each affected tail rotor blade for a smooth radius as follows:

a.    Remove the tail rotor blade assembly by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.(1) through 2.B.(3), Part 2., of MD Helicopters Inc., Service Bulletin SB369H-247, SB369D-204, SB369E-099, and SB369F-084, dated 26 April 2007, as applicable.

b.    Using a bright light, inspect the bore of the tail rotor blade root fitting by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.(4) and 2.B.(5),
Part 2, and Figures 1 and 2 of the applicable service bulletin.

c.    Before further flight, replace each blade assembly that does not have a smooth radius by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.(6) and 2.B.(7), Part 2, and Figure 2 of the applicable service bulletin.

d.    Identify the serviceable tail rotor blade assembly with the applicable model of helicopter by following the Identification, paragraphs 3.(1) through 3.(4) of the applicable service bulletin.

Note 1:  Special Flight permits will not be allowed.

Note 2:  FAA Emergency AD 2007-09-51 refers.

Compliance:

Before further flight after 1 May 2007.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 1 May 2007.

Background: The FAA received a report of an accident after the loss of a tail rotor blade.  This condition, if not corrected, could result in the failure of a tail rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

30 April 2007