Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11400 · Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, and 222U Helicopters
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, and 222U Helicopters
Model 222 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 47006 through 47089; Model 222B helicopters, S/N 47131 through 47156, and Model 222U helicopters, S/N 47501 through 47574, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, and 222U helicopters. This action requires verifying the torque on each vertical fin attachment bolt (bolt); inspecting the vertical fin and tailboom fittings for cracks, elongation of bolt holes, distortion and corrosion; and re-verifying the torque on the bolts after inspecting the fittings. This amendment is prompted by a report of a loose vertical fin, which was discovered during a post-flight inspection. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of torque of the bolts, which could lead to fracture of the bolts, separation of the vertical fin from the helicopter, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
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.
