AD/S-Puma/84 Main Gear Box Epicyclic Reduction Gear Module (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 AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters

AD/S-PUMA/84 Main Gear Box Epicyclic
Reduction Gear Module 6/2009 TX

Applicability:

Eurocopter AS 332 L2 helicopters.

Requirement:

1.    Check the main gearbox (MGB) epicyclic reduction gear module magnetic plug in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1 of Eurocopter AS332 ASB No. 05.00.81 initial issue dated 10 April 2009.

2.    a.     Check the helicopter maintenance records in order to determine if, within the last 200 flight hours (FH) prior to the effective date of this AD, one or more particles were detected on the magnetic plug of the epicyclic reduction gear module without ensuing complete compliance with maintenance Work Card (WC) 60.00.00.212.001.

b.    If detection occurred and was not followed by complete maintenance (epicyclic reduction gear module not removed to check chip collector magnets), disassemble and inspect the MGB epicyclic reduction gear module in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter AS332 ASB No. 05.00.81 initial issue.

3.    Do not install on any helicopter a MGB, unless its condition has been checked in accordance with the requirements of this AD.

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

Note:  EASA Emergency AD 2009-0087-E dated 11 April 2009 refers.

Compliance:

For Requirement 1 - Before next flight after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter each day After the Last Flight of the day (ALF inspection) without exceeding 10 Flight Hours (FH) between each ALF.

For Requirement 2.a. - Before next flight after the effective date of this AD.

For Requirement 2.b. - Before further flight.

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

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 April 2009.

Background:

This emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following the accident of the AS 332 L2 helicopter registered G-REDL that occurred on the 1st of April 2009, off the coast of Scotland near Aberdeen.

The investigation is still in progress and at this early stage, the cause of this accident seems to be connected with a degradation of the epicyclic module of the MGB, the root cause of which is still to be determined.  In the light of this information, the detection of any contamination of the MGB is of utmost importance as a precautionary measure.

For the reasons described above, this AD requires a check of the magnetic plug of the MGB epicyclic reduction gear module on a daily basis and to ensure also that correct MGB maintenance has been applied in case a particle was found on the magnetic plug before issuance of this AD.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 April 2009