Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-10725 · Eurocopter France Model SA.315B, SA.316B, SA.316C, SA.319B, and SE.3160 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SA.315B, SA.316B, SA.316C, SA.319B, and SE.3160 Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2001-04-13. Comply with the one in force.
Model SA.315B, SA.316B, SA.316C, SA.319B, and SE.3160 helicopters, with main rotor blades, part numbers 3160S11- 10000 all dash numbers, 3160S11-30000 all dash numbers, 3160S11- 35000 all dash numbers, 3160S11-40000 all dash numbers, 3160S11- 45000 all dash numbers, 3160S11-50000 all dash numbers, or 3160S11- 55000 all dash numbers, with 400 or more hours time-in-service (TIS), installed, certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-10-09 which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France Model SA.315B, SA.316B, SA.316C, SA.319B, and SE.3160 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires an initial and recurring inspections of the blade spar for cracks. This amendment is prompted by an accident in which a Model SA.315B helicopter lost a main rotor blade. The cause of the blade failure was fatigue cracking. This condition, if not corrected, could result in separation of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
