Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13708 · Kaman Aerospace Corporation Model K-1200 Helicopters
Kaman Aerospace Corporation Model K-1200 Helicopters
Model K-1200 helicopters, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Model K-1200 helicopters. This action requires certain initial and repetitive visual inspections of the main rotor blade (blade) grips for a crack. If a crack is found, this AD requires replacing the blade grip before further flight. This amendment is prompted by an accident involving the loss of all blades because of a crack in a blade grip on the upper surface around the bolthole. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of a blade grip, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent failure of a blade grip, blade contact with the opposite rotor mast, blade failure, and loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Before further flight, unless accomplished previously, remove the paint topcoat and primer from each blade grip; and using a light and 10x power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect each blade grip in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 1. and 2.a., of Kaman Aerospace Corporation Service Bulletin No. 109, dated October 31, 2003 (SB).
Note: Do not damage or remove the sealant around the blade grip bolt heads and nuts.
(1) If a crack is detected, remove the grip and replace it with an airworthy grip.
(2) If no crack is detected, cover the exposed area with corrosion preventative compound.
(b) Before the first flight of each day, remove corrosion preventative compound from each blade grip using acetone. Using a light and 10x power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect each blade grip for a crack in the area depicted in Figure 1 of the SB.
(1) If a crack is detected, remove the grip and replace it with an airworthy grip.
(2) If no crack is detected, cover the exposed area with corrosive preventative compound.
(c) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
