AD/Supp/22 Lifesaving Systems D-Lok Hook (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.

Supplementary Equipment

AD/SUPP/22 Lifesaving Systems D-Lok Hook 8/2009 DM

Applicability:

Eurocopter Model AS 332, AS 365, AS 350, AS 355, EC 225, SA 330, SA 360 and EC 155 series helicopters fitted with Goodrich hook kit or rescue hoist assemblies as identified in Table 1 of Goodrich Service Bulletin 42315-489-01 Revision 1, dated
5 June 2009, or later approved revision; and,

Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC 135 and MBB-BK-117 series helicopters fitted with Goodrich hook kit or rescue hoist assemblies as identified in Table 1 of Goodrich Service Bulletin 42315-489-01 Revision 1, dated 5 June 2009, or later approved revision; and,

Agusta S.p.A Model A109 and AB139/AW139 series helicopters fitted with Goodrich hook kit or rescue hoist assemblies as identified in Table 1 of Goodrich Service Bulletin 42315-489-01 Revision 1, dated 5 June 2009, or later approved revision.

Note:  The last column ‘Helicopter’ given in Table 1 of Goodrich Service Bulletin 42315-489-01 Revision 1 is for information only.  Use the Goodrich part numbers only to identify the affected hook kit/hoist/helicopter combination.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect the D-Lok Hook of the rescue hoist system and do all corrective actions in accordance with paragraphs A to E of the accomplishment instructions of Goodrich Service Bulletin 42315-489-01 Revision 1, dated 5 June 2009, or later approved revision.

2.    It is prohibited to install a D-Lok Hook in the rescue hoist system on any helicopter unless it has previously been inspected and found serviceable as instructed in paragraph C of the accomplishment instructions of Goodrich Service Bulletin 42315-489-01 Revision 1, dated 5 June 2009, or later approved revision.

For Eurocopter and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH helicopters, the inspections and corrective actions accomplished before 26 June 2009 in accordance with the initial issue of Goodrich Service Bulletin 42315-489-01, satisfy Requirement 1 of this Directive.

Note:  EASA AD 2009-0124 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within 10 flight hours or before the next hoist operation, whichever occurs first after 26 June 2009.

2.    After 26 June 2009.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 26 June 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.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

17 June 2009