Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16185 · Lifesavings Systems Corp., D-Lok Hook Assembly
Lifesavings Systems Corp., D-Lok Hook Assembly
This AD applies to all helicopters, which have a rescue hoist assembly installed that contains a Lifesaving Systems Corp. D-Lok Hook assembly, part number (P/N) 410-A or 410-F, lot number 208 or 1108. These hooks are installed on but not limited to Goodrich Rescue Hoist Assembly P/N 42325-16-4, 42325-16-5, 44301-10 series, 44315-10, 44307-480, 44307-481, 44316-12-101, 44316-10-101, 42325-12 series, 42325-14 series, 44311-10 series, 712768-240-D 76370-140-D and 76378-260-D; and Breeze-Eastern Corporation Rescue Hoist Assembly, P/N BLH-20200-504 series.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Lifesavings Systems Corp., D-Lok Hook assembly installed on certain rescue hoist assemblies. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that rescue hoist operators have reported surface irregularities and discontinuities on certain D-Lok Hooks because of an unapproved change in the hook design and manufacturing process from forged material to cast material that have different physical properties. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a hook during rescue hoist operations, loss of the rescued passenger, and subsequent serious injury or fatality.
Within 200 hoist lifts, unless already done, replace each affected D-Lok Hook assembly with an airworthy hook assembly other than D-Lok Hook assembly, P/N 410-A or 410-F, lot number 208 or 1108.
The latest MCAI AD requires a visual inspection to determine whether the affected hook assembly has surface irregularities and discontinuities that exceed certain manufacturer limits. If it is within limits, the MCAI AD requires replacing the D-Lok Hook within 30 days from July 11, 2009, or upon reaching 1000 total lift cycles since installation of the affected lock, whichever occurs first. This AD does not require an inspection and requires replacing each affected D-Lok Hook within 200 lift cycles. Also, the MCAI AD is limited to Agusta, Eurocopter, and Sikorsky helicopters, and this AD applies to all helicopters with a Lifesavings Systems Corp. D-Lock Hook Assembly, P/N 410-A or 410-F, lot number 208 or 1108, installed.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
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.
Appliances and equipment
