Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11929 · Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and L1 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and L1 Helicopters
Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters with horizontal stabilizer spar tube (spar tube), part number (P/N) 330A13-2024-01, -02, -03, or -04, installed on horizontal stabilizer, P/N 332A13-1000-00, -01, -02, -03 or 332A13-1040-00, or -01, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the horizontal stabilizer spar tube (spar tube) for corrosion, hardness, cracks, and scratches, and if necessary, replacing any unairworthy spar tube and bushing with an airworthy spar tube and bushing. This amendment is prompted by the loss of a horizontal stabilizer in flight due to a spar tube failure. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the spar tube, separation of the horizontal stabilizer and impact with the main or tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent failure of the spar tube, separation of the horizontal stabilizer and impact with the main or tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) For helicopters on which the spar tube composite bushing (bushing), P/N 330A13-2024-31, has been replaced and since replacement has accumulated:
(1) Less than 1400 hours time-in-service (TIS) or less than 30 calendar months:
(i) Prior to accumulating 1600 hours TIS or 32 calendar months, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed (NTE) 3000 hours TIS or 72 calendar months, whichever occurs first, inspect the spar tube in accordance with (IAW) the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 01.00.57, Revision 1, dated November 24, 1999 (SB).
(A) If the spar tube passes the hardness inspection of paragraph 2.B.1.1 of the SB and the scratch, corrosion, and crack inspection of paragraph 2.B.2. of the SB, replace the bushing with a new bushing, before further flight.
(B) If the spar tube fails either the hardness inspection of paragraph 2.B.1.1 of the SB or the scratch, corrosion, or crack inspection of paragraph 2.B.2. of the SB, replace the spar tube with an airworthy spar tube before further flight.
(ii) Before installing any replacement spar tube that has previously been installed on any helicopter, inspect it IAW the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
(2) 1400 or more hours TIS or 30 or more calendar months:
(i) Within 200 hours TIS or 2 calendar months, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals NTE 3000 hours TIS or 72 calendar months, whichever occurs first, inspect the spar tube IAW the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
(A) If the spar tube passes the hardness inspection of paragraph 2.B.1.1 of the SB and the scratch, corrosion, and crack inspection of paragraph 2.B.2 of the SB, replace the bushing with a new bushing before further flight.
(B) If the spar tube fails either the hardness inspection of paragraph 2.B.1.1 of the SB or the scratch, corrosion, or crack inspection of paragraph 2.B.2 of the SB, replace the spar tube with an airworthy spar tube before further flight.
(ii) Before installing any replacement spar tube that has previously been installed on any helicopter, inspect it IAW the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
(b) For all spar tubes:
(1) With less than 7500 hours TIS or 144 calendar months since original installation:
(i) Prior to accumulating 7500 hours TIS or 144 calendar months, remove the spar tube and inspect IAW the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
(ii) After accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this AD, install an airworthy spar tube before further flight. Before installing any replacement spar tube that has been previously installed in any helicopter, inspect it IAW the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
(2) With 7500 or more hours TIS or 144 or more calendar months since original installation:
(i) Within 500 hours TIS or 12 calendar months, whichever occurs first, remove the spar tube and inspect IAW the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
(ii) After accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this AD, install an airworthy spar tube before further flight. Before installing any replacement spar tube that has been previously installed in any helicopter, inspect it IAW the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
(3) After accomplishing the requirements of either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, thereafter, at intervals NTE 7500 hours TIS or 144 calendar months, whichever occurs first, remove the spar tube and inspect IAW the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
