Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15103 · MD Helicopters, Inc., Model 369, YOH-6A, 369A, OH-6A, 369H, 369HM, 369HS, 369HE, 369D, 369E, 369F, and 369FF Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc., Model 369, YOH-6A, 369A, OH-6A, 369H, 369HM, 369HS, 369HE, 369D, 369E, 369F, and 369FF Helicopters
Model 369, YOH-6A, 369A, OH-6A, 369H, 369HM, 369HS, 369HE, 369D, 369E, 369F, and 369FF helicopters, with a tail rotor blade, part number (P/N) 369A1613, 369D21606, 369D21613, 369D21615, or 421-088, all dash numbers, installed, certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-09-51, sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), model helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, removing each affected tail rotor blade assembly and inspecting the bore of the tail rotor blade root fitting. If the blade assembly does not have a smooth radius, the AD requires replacing it. The AD also requires identifying each airworthy tail rotor blade assembly with the applicable helicopter model. This amendment is prompted by a report of an accident after the loss of a tail rotor blade. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the failure of a tail rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Before further flight, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent the loss of a tail rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Inspect each affected tail rotor blade for a smooth radius as follows:
(1) Remove the tail rotor blade assembly by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.(1) through 2.B.(3), Part 2., of MD Helicopters, Inc., Service Bulletin SB369H-247, SB369D-204, SB369E-099, and SB369F-084 dated April 26, 2007 (SB).
(2) Using a bright light, inspect the bore of the tail rotor blade root fitting by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.(4) and 2.B.(5), Part 2, and Figures 1 and 2 of the SB.
(b) Replace each blade assembly that does not have a smooth radius by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.(6) and (7), Part 2, and Figure 2 of the SB.
(c) Identify the airworthy tail rotor blade assembly with the applicable model of helicopter by following the Identification, paragraphs 3.(1) through 3.(4) of the SB.
(d) 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 Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA; Attn: John Cecil, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712-4137, telephone (562) 627-5228, fax (562) 627-5210, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(e) Special flight permits will not be issued.
(f) Inspecting, replacing, and identifying the tail rotor blade assembly shall be done by following the specified portions of MD Helicopters, Inc., Service Bulletin SB369H-247, SB369D-204, SB369E-099, and SB369F-084, dated April 26, 2007. 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, Mesa, Arizona 85215-9734, telephone 1-800-388-3378, fax 480-346-6813, or on the Web at http://www.mdhelicopters.com. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas or 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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on July 5, 2007, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2007-09-51, issued April 27, 2007, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
