Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17128 · Equipment/furnishing system wiring
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
This AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters with an external hoist system (hoist system) Part Number (P/N) 117-80403 or P/N 117-804061 installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB- BK B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK C-1 helicopters equipped with a certain external-hoist system (hoist system). This AD requires deactivating the entire hoist system or deactivating the hoist system cable cutter function on the hoist system operator control handle (operator handle). This AD was prompted by an uncommanded activation of the hoist cable cutter function on an MBB-BK117 C-1 helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded cutting of the hoist cable and subsequent injury to persons being lifted by the hoist.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) Before the next hoist operation or within 30 days, whichever comes first, comply with either paragraph (1)(i), (1)(ii), or (1)(iii):
(i) Deactivate the hoist system by pulling the CABLE CUTTER, WINCH CONT, and WINCH BOOM circuit breakers and securing each circuit breaker with a cable tie; or
(ii) Deactivate the hoist system by removing the hoist boom from the helicopter; or
(iii) Deactivate the external hoist operator handle cable-cutter function by accomplishing the following:
(A) Modify the helicopter wiring and the operator handle, P/N 76803, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph 3.B.1 (b), of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117-80-166, Revision 1, dated August 4, 2011 (ASB).
(B) Inspect the operator handle P/N 76803 and the coiled cable of the operator handle for damage in accordance with Paragraph 3.B.1.(a)(2) of the ASB. Damage is also defined as any condition that could prevent the part's ability to perform its intended function.
(1) If the operator handle or the coiled cable of the operator handle has damage, replace the operator handle with an airworthy operator handle P/N 76803, before the next hoist operation.
(2) At intervals not to exceed 30 days, repeat the inspection in Paragraph (1)(iii)(B) of the Required Actions section of this AD.
(2) Before installing an affected hoist system on any helicopter, comply with Paragraph (1) of the Required Actions section of this AD.
(3) Before installing an operator handle P/N 76803 on any helicopter, comply with Paragraph (1)(iii)(A) of the Required Actions section of this AD.
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.
