Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13276 · Eurocopter France Model SE3160, SA315B, SA316B, SA316C, and SA319B Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SE3160, SA315B, SA316B, SA316C, and SA319B Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2010-02-07. Comply with the one in force.
Model SE3160, SA315B, SA316B, SA316C, and SA319B helicopters, with main rotor blade (blade), part number (P/N) L3160- 100-01, produced under a Parts Manufacturer Approval approved by Supplemental Type Certificate SH778GL, installed, certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-15-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified model Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires inspecting each main rotor blade (blade) root end bolt (bolt) and bolt hole for a crack or corrosion or a crack on the blade root end fitting (fitting) and for certain serial-numbered blades, a one-time pull test on each fitting and blade root end doubler (doubler) to detect disbonding. This amendment is prompted by a report from the blade manufacturer of the discovery of a cracked blade; the cause of the crack remains under investigation. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
