Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17921 · Rotorcraft tailboom
Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France)
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2016-08-20. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters, with 690 or more hours time-in-service (TIS), certificated in any category.
We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the Fenestron to tailboom junction frame (junction frame) for a crack. This AD is prompted by reports of a crack propagating through the junction frame on two EC130B4 helicopters. These actions are intended to detect a crack and to prevent failure of the junction frame, which could result in loss of the Fenestron 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 10 hours TIS, remove the horizontal stabilizer, clean the junction frame, and dye-penetrant inspect around the circumference of the junction frame for a crack in the areas shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters EC130 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A017, Revision 0, dated June 6, 2014 (EASB 05A017). Pay particular attention to the area around the 4 spars (item b) of Figure 1 of EASB 05A017. An example of a crack is shown in Figure 3 of EASB 05A017.
(2) Within 25 hours TIS of the inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 hours TIS, either perform the actions of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD or, if the area is clean, using a borescope, inspect around the circumference of the junction frame for a crack in the areas shown in Figure 2 of EASB 05A017. Pay particular attention to the area around the 4 spars (item b) of Figure 2 of EASB 05A017. An example of a crack is shown in Figure 3 of EASB 05A017.
(3) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the junction frame.
