Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17166 · Hydraulic power system
Eurocopter France Helicopters
This AD applies to Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350D, AS350B1, AS350B2, and AS350B3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a single hydraulic power system and either of the following forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hoses installed: part number (P/N) 704A34-412-033 (other reference manufacturer's part number (MP/N) 675-102-05-01), or P/N 704A34-412-035 (other reference MP/N 675-102-06-01). Helicopters that have been modified in accordance with modification 074238 are excluded.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Eurocopter France Model AS350 helicopters. This AD requires installing protection sleeves over certain forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hoses. This AD was prompted by an in-flight fire caused by the ignition of hydraulic fluid leaking from a damaged forward servo-control hydraulic hose. This AD's actions are intended to prevent the forward servo-control hydraulic hoses from becoming damaged and leaking hydraulic fluid that could ignite in flight, which could result in loss of main rotor (M/R) control, power loss, structural damage, propagation of fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
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) Within 30 days, install sleeve P/N 706A34-402-225 over hydraulic hose P/N 704A34-412-033 and sleeve P/N 706A34-402-224 over hydraulic hose P/N 704A34-412-035 in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 29.00.13, dated July 26, 2010.
(2) Do not install an affected hydraulic hose on any helicopter without a sleeve in accordance with paragraph (e)(1) 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.
