Tue, Dec 14, 2010
Supersedes Existing AD Dealing With Tail Rotor Tip Weights
The FAA is superseding a previous AD with an Emergency AD for
Bell Helicopter Textron Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212,
412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters.
Bell 412 File Photo
The superseding EAD is prompted by another incident in which the
tail rotor blade (blade) tip weight separated from a blade during
flight causing vibration. This unsafe condition led to the
determination that additional blades could be affected and should
be added to the applicability. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent loss of the blade tip weight, loss of a blade,
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
On October 31, 2007, the FAA issued AD 2007-19-53 which
requires, before further flight, removing and replacing each
affected blade with an airworthy blade. That action was prompted by
three reports of blade tip weights being slung from the blades
during flights, causing significant vibration.
The FAA says it has reviewed the following revised BHT Alert
Service Bulletins (ASBs), all dated November 22, 2010 except where
noted otherwise. Each Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) contains an RBI
letter that adds blade serial numbers to the RBI list.
- No. 204-07-61, Revision A, dated September 19, 2007, for Model
204 helicopters;
- No. 205-07-95, Revision B, for Model 205 helicopters;
- No. 205B-07-46, Revision B, for Model 205B helicopters;
- No. 212-07-125, Revision B, for Model 212 helicopters;
- No. 412CF-07-123, Revision B, for Model 412CF helicopters;
- No. 412-07-123, Revision B, for Model 412 and 412EP
helicopters.
The FAA says it is issuing this AD because we evaluated all
information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type
designs. Since the unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of these same type designs, this AD requires,
before further flight, unless already accomplished, replacing any
affected blade with an airworthy blade.
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