MANUFACTURER: Eurocopter France Model EC225LP
Helicopters SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2009-09-51
SUMMARY: This AD
requires, before further flight, determining if the "CHIP' detector
light on the instrument panel (Vehicle Monitoring System Screen)
previously illuminated. If the "CHIP' detector light did illuminate
and it illuminated because of a metal particle on the magnetic plug
of the epicyclic reduction gear module (module) of the main gearbox
(MGB), or if you cannot determine from the maintenance records
which chip detector caused the "CHIP' detector light to illuminate
or whether the detector light stayed illuminated after the "CHIP'
detector switch was turned to the "CHIP PULSE' setting, replacing
the module with an airworthy module is required before further
flight. Also required before further flight is inspecting the MGB
module magnetic chip detector electrical circuit and determining
whether the system is functioning properly, including whether the
"CHIP' detector light annunciates on the instrument panel (Vehicle
Monitoring System Screen). Finally, this AD requires replacing the
module with an airworthy module if the "CHIP' detector light
illuminates, stays illuminated after the "CHIP' detector switch is
turned to the "CHIP PULSE' setting, and you determine that a metal
particle on the module magnetic plug caused that illumination. This
amendment is prompted by a mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Community. EASA notified us of an accident that occurred
April 1, 2009 on a Eurocopter Model AS332L2 helicopter and EASA
advises that the "cause of the accident seems to be connected with
degradation of the epicyclic module of the MGB, the root cause of
which is still to be determined.' The actions specified by this AD
are intended to prevent failure of the MGB and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
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