Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-12508 · Eurocopter France Model SA341G, SA342J, and SA-360C Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SA341G, SA342J, and SA-360C Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2002-08-16. Comply with the one in force.
Model SA341G, SA342J, and SA-360C helicopters with the following main rotor head torsion tie bar (tie bar), part number (P/N): 341A31-4904-00, -01, -02, -03; 341A31-4933-00, -01; or 360A31-1097-02, or -03; installed, certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-19-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France (ECF) Model SA341G, SA342J, and SA-360C helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, replacing a certain unairworthy main rotor head torsion tie bar (tie bar) with an airworthy tie bar. This AD also requires revising the limitations section of the maintenance manual by adding a life limit for certain tie bars. This AD is prompted by an accident involving an ECF Model SA341G helicopter due to the failure of a tie bar. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a tie bar, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
