Tue, Nov 16, 2010
Crack Found On The Main Rotor Hub Inboard Strap Fitting
The FAA has issued an Emergency AD (EAD) (2010-24-51) prompted
by a recent accident that resulted in several fatalities. During
the investigation of the accident, a crack was found on the main
rotor hub inboard strap fitting (fitting). Subsequently, 4
additional fittings from the same manufacturing lot were inspected
and two were found to exhibit the same type of cracking as found on
the fitting installed on the helicopter involved in the accident. A
cracked fitting could result in failure of the fitting, loss of a
main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
FAA officials reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin No.
212-10-141, dated November 11, 2010 (ASB), which specifies the
immediate removal of certain serial-numbered fittings from service.
Bell states that they have determined that the fitting may not have
been manufactured in accordance with the engineering design
requirements and may fracture as a result of the non-conformance.
Bell further states that their investigation is ongoing and
indicates that fittings serial numbers A-9956 through A-10005
inclusive are affected by the ASB.
The FAA says it is issuing the EAD because we evaluated all the
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
is likely to exist or develop in other products of this same type
design.
Bell 212 File Photo
The EAD requires, before further flight, removing each affected
fitting and replacing it with an airworthy fitting. Any fitting
with a part and serial number identified in the Applicability
section of this EAD is no longer eligible for installation on any
helicopter.
This EAD differs from the ASB in that the FAA does not require
returning parts to Bell.
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