Ad/Supp/22 Amdt 2 - Lifesaving Systems D-Lok Hook (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/SUPP/22 Amdt 1 and issues the following 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.

Supplementary Equipment

AD/SUPP/22 Amdt 2 Lifesaving Systems D-Lok Hook 10/2009

Applicability:

All helicopters if equipped with a Rescue Hoist fitted with a Lifesaving Systems
D-Lok Hook with part numbers 410-A or 410-F and identified as part of lot number 208 or 1108.

Note:  The rescue hoist part number provided in the service information of the rescue hoist system manufacturers (Goodrich or Breeze-Eastern) is for information only.  Refer to Lifesaving Systems D-Lok Hooks part number to determine AD applicability.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect the rescue hoist assembly and, if a Lifesaving Systems D-Lok Hook with part numbers 410-A or 410-F and identified as part of lot number 208 or 1108 (cast hook) is found installed, perform a visual inspection in accordance with the applicable instructions of Goodrich Service Bulletin 42315-489-01 revision 1, Breeze-Eastern Corporation Service Information Letters SIL01 BLH-20200-431 original issue and SIL01 HK-116-5 original issue, or Breeze-Eastern Corporation Service Bulletin BLH-20200-504-25-01 original issue, depending upon the helicopter type; or later approved revisions of the Requirement documents.  If the hook does not pass the visual inspection, any further use of the hook is prohibited.

The inspections and relevant corrective actions carried out in accordance with the Requirements of the original issue or Amendment 1 of this Directive, is acceptable as compliance with Requirement 1 of this Directive.

2.    Replace the cast hook with a serviceable part to continue hoist operations.

After the effective date of the previous issue of this Directive, 15 July 2009, installation on a helicopter of a D-Lok Hook with part numbers 410-A or 410-F and identified as part of lot number 208 or 1108 is prohibited.

After the effective date of this Directive, return previously removed cast hooks to Goodrich or Breeze-Eastern, as applicable; unless already accomplished.

Note 1:  Only the visual inspection criteria of the Requirement documents are applicable.  Actions and compliance times are specified in this Directive.

Note 2:  EASA Emergency AD 2009-0179-E refers, but covers only European certificated helicopters.

Compliance:

1.    Before the next hoist operation after 15 July 2009.

2.    Within 30 days after 15 July 2009 or within 1,000 Total Lift Cycles of the hoist since installation of the affected hook, whichever occurs first.

The compliance times remain unchanged by this issue of the Directive.

This Amendment becomes effective on 24 September 2009.

Background:

Goodrich Corporation, sensors and integrated systems (hoist & winch), has advised of receiving field reports, from rescue hoist operators, of surface irregularities and discontinuities on D-Lok Hooks supplied by Lifesaving Systems with part number 410-A and 410-F.  Although the investigation is still on-going, a non-approved change in the hook manufacturing process is suspected to be the cause of surface irregularities and discontinuities found in the material.  This condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to fracture of the hook.

Amendment 1 was issued because it had been discovered that Breeze-Eastern Corporation rescue hoist assemblies also have the affected Lifesaving Systems D-Lok Hooks installed.  Also, as D-Lok hooks may be fitted to helicopter types not covered by the EASA AD, the applicability of this Amendment has been widened to cover all helicopters fitted with a rescue hoist and D-Lok hook.

Amendment 2 is issued in response to a new EASA AD, which requires returning the cast hooks to Goodrich or Breeze-Eastern, as applicable.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 August 2009