Company Issues Alert Service Bulletin For 296 Models

The FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin following Sikorsky's release of an Alert Service Bulletin concerning landing gear dampers on Model 269 helicopters.

According to the FAA,  Sikorsky 269C and C-1, 269D and 269D Configuration “A” model rotorcraft incorporate landing gear dampers designed to alleviate ground resonance. However, these dampers, if not maintained with the correct charge pressures, have been attributed to incidents of ground resonance which resulted in major structural damage or total loss of the rotorcraft. Therefore, Sikorsky issued the following ASBs to ensure they must pass a one-time LST. The HMI’s were later revised to include the LST anytime the landing gear damper is serviced or overhauled.

With the above information, supported by the statistical analyses of recent accidents, the FAA recommends the following:

• A one-time landing gear damper LST for the affected 269 models in compliance with the ASBs to improve protection against ground resonance accidents, unless the landing gear damper has been successfully serviced after April 15, 2014, either to the aforementioned ASB, or the updated HMI requirements. Furthermore, whenever a landing gear damper is removed for maintenance, a successful LST as specified in the HMI is recommended.
• Perform the landing gear damper Load/Stroke Inspection requirements for SIKORSKY MODEL 269C per the latest Basic Handbook of Maintenance Instructions, Publication No. CSP-C-2, Appendix C, Section 5.
• Perform the landing gear damper Load/Stroke Inspection requirements for SIKORSKY MODEL 269C-1 per the latest Basic Handbook of Maintenance Instructions, Publication No. CSP-C1-2, Appendix C, Section 5.
• Perform the landing gear damper Load/Stroke Inspection requirements for SIKORSKY MODEL 269D per the latest Basic Handbook of Maintenance Instructions, Publication No. CSP-D-2, Appendix C, Section 5.
• Perform the landing gear damper Load/Stroke Inspection requirements for SIKORSKY MODEL 269D Configuration “A” per the latest Basic Handbook of Maintenance Instructions, Publication No. CSP-D-9, Appendix C, Section 5.

(Source: FAA. Image from file)

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