Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17178 · External load handling equipment
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
(1) This AD applies to Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters with:
(i) Hoist part-number (P/N) 412-8800-01-202 (Breeze Eastern P/N BL-20200-402) or P/N 412-8800-01-412 (Breeze Eastern P/N BL-20200-412), with a hook assembly (hook) P/N HK-118-2 installed; or
(ii) Hoist P/N BL-20200-75 (Breeze Eastern) or P/N BL-20200-95 (Breeze Eastern), with a hook P/N BL-5740-8 installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters with certain hoist hook assemblies (hook) installed. This AD requires inspecting the hook for correct assembly of the nut and body. This AD is prompted by a report that a hook separated from the cable of a helicopter. These actions are intended to prevent detachment of the hook from the helicopter and subsequent loss of an external load, possibly resulting in personal injury.
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) For hook, P/N HK-118-2, before further flight, and thereafter after every disassembly and reassembly of the hook, inspect the hook for correct assembly of the nut and housing hook by doing the following.
(i) Using a.5 millimeter (mm) thickness feeler gauge, position the feeler gauge on the handwheel as shown in Figure 2 of AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 412-132, dated May 2, 2012 (BT 412-132).
(ii) If feeler gauge cannot be inserted, the nut and housing are correctly assembled.
(iii) If feeler gauge can be inserted, as shown in Figure 3 of BT 412-132, reassemble the hook by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5 through 20, and figures 4 and 5, of BT 412-132.
(2) For hook, P/N BL-5740-8, before further flight, and thereafter after every disassembly and reassembly of the hook, inspect the hook for correct assembly of the nut and body by doing the following.
(i) Pull down the rubber bumper to expose the body and setscrews.
(ii) Determine if the two setscrews are inserted in the two slots as shown in Figure 2 of AgustaWestland BT No. 412-133, dated May 17, 2012 (BT 412-133).
(iii) If the setscrews are inserted in the slots, the nut and body are correctly assembled. Return the rubber bumper to its proper position.
(iv) If the two setscrews are not inserted in the slots, as shown in Figure 3 of BT 412-133, reassemble the hook by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5 through 20, and figures 4 and 5, of BT 412-133.
