EASA AD 2020-0026
Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist Carrier Assembly — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0026 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Bell 429 and 430 helicopters equipped with certain Goodrich rescue hoists. The directive mandates inspection of the hoist carrier assembly to detect incorrect assembly of the carrier retainer spring, which could lead to loosening of the carrier assembly and potential loss of human load. It applies to all serial numbers of the affected helicopter models and specific Goodrich hoist part numbers listed in the directive.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the hoist carrier assembly on affected Bell 429 and 430 helicopters. It also requires inspection before installation or reinstallation of affected Goodrich rescue hoist parts. If incorrect assembly is found, the directive mandates replacement of the hoist carrier assembly before further hoist operations.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential safety hazards related to rescue hoist operations, including the risk of losing a human load due to carrier assembly failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain the continuing airworthiness of affected helicopters and avoid operational restrictions. It also helps maintain regulatory compliance with EASA requirements and supports safe rescue mission capabilities.
What To Do
Operators of Bell 429 and 430 helicopters with affected Goodrich hoists must inspect the hoist carrier assembly before the next hoist operation after 28 February 2020. If any incorrect assembly is detected, the hoist carrier assembly must be replaced before further use. Additionally, any installation or reinstallation of affected hoist parts must only be done if the parts have passed the required inspection or corrective actions as defined in Goodrich Service Information Letter 2018-03 Revision 1.
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