Sat, Nov 29, 2003
AD #: 2003-24-51
This Emergency
Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by a report of the failure
of the bolt that secures parts of the main rotor swashplate and
attaches the tail rotor blade. An examination revealed that the
bolt failed due to hydrogen embrittlement. Hydrogen embrittlement
is suspected to have occurred during the cadmium plating process of
an entire batch of bolts, which makes the batch suspect. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the bolt
that secures parts of the main rotor swashplate and attaches the
tail rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
The FAA has reviewed RHC Service Bulletin No. SB-51, dated
November 24, 2003, that describes a daily preflight inspection and
replacement of bolt, part number (P/N) NAS6605-31.
This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of the same type design.
Therefore, this AD requires, the following:
- Determining if maintenance has been performed on certain areas
of the helicopter,
determining if any bolt, P/N NAS6605-31, has been replaced,
determining if the bolt
vendor identification is 01DO, and determining the helicopter
serial number.
- Visually inspecting and replacing if necessary, any unairworthy
bolt before further
flight and before the first flight each day of operation.
- Replacing certain bolts within 10 hours time-in-service or by
December 31, 2003,
whichever occurs first.
The AD also makes any bolt, P/N NAS6605-31, with vendor
identification marking 01DO on the bolt head, ineligible for
installation on any helicopter.
This rule is issued under 49 U.S.C. Section 44701 pursuant to the
authority delegated... by the Administrator, and is effective
immediately upon receipt of this emergency AD.
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