Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13813 · MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 500N and 600N Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 500N and 600N Helicopters
The following model and serial number (S/N) helicopters, with forward thruster cable (cable) assembly and center cable assembly part number (P/N), installed, certificated in any category:
| Model | S/N | Forward cable assembly P/N | Center cable assembly P/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500N | With a prefix of “LN” and 001 through 099 | 500N7201-55 | 500N7201-57 |
| 600N | With a prefix of “RN” and 003 through 068 | 500N7201-55 | 500N7201-59 |
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 500N and 600N helicopters. This action requires using a bright light and a 10x or higher magnifying glass to inspect each forward and center thruster control cable assembly connector (connector) for corrosion pitting or cracking. If you find corrosion pitting or cracking, this AD also requires replacing the cable assembly with an airworthy cable assembly before further flight. This amendment is prompted by a report of a failure of the forward thruster cable assembly due to stress corrosion. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect a corrosion-pitted or cracked connector and prevent failure of the cable assembly and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To detect a corrosion-pitted or cracked forward or center cable assembly connector (connector) and to prevent failure of the cable assembly and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within the next 10 hours time-in-service or 30 days, whichever comes first, using a bright light and a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect each connector for corrosion pitting or cracking by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2., of MD Helicopter, Inc. Service Bulletin SB500N-027, SB600N-042, dated May 3, 2004. If you find corrosion pitting or cracking, replace the cable assembly with an airworthy cable assembly before further flight. Replacing the cable assembly with an airworthy cable assembly is terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(b) 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 Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) Do the inspection by following MD Helicopters, Inc. Service Bulletin SB500N-027, SB600N-042, dated May 3, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from MD Helicopters Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615-GO48, Mesa, Arizona 85215-9734, telephone 1-800-388-3378, fax 480-891-6782, or on the Web at http://www.mdhelicopters.com. Copies may be inspected at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
