EASA AD 2021-0276
Powerplant — Electrical Harness — Inspection / Repair / Replacement / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0276 is an official regulatory document addressing the inspection, repair, replacement, and modification of electrical harnesses in PZL W-3A and PZL W-3AS helicopters equipped with PZL-10W engines. It targets wiring harnesses within the left-hand and right-hand engine areas that may have suffered thermal damage due to incorrect installation or routing. The directive mandates inspection and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory one-time inspections of affected electrical harnesses, corrective repairs or replacements if damage is found, and rerouting of all harnesses to prevent thermal damage. It also establishes requirements for the installation of inspected and approved harnesses according to updated routing instructions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to engine fire warnings failing, false engine parameter readings, or uncommanded engine shutdowns. Compliance ensures the reliability of engine monitoring systems and prevents potential loss of helicopter control, thereby protecting crew and passengers. Maintenance and compliance teams must integrate these inspections and modifications into their scheduled maintenance to avoid operational disruptions.
What To Do
Operators and maintenance organizations must inspect all affected electrical harnesses within 90 days of the directive's effective date, repair or replace any damaged harnesses before the next flight, and reroute all harnesses within the same 90-day period if not already done. Any (re)installation of affected parts must be preceded by an inspection confirming no defects and follow the updated routing instructions. Compliance with the WSK PZL-ŚWIDNIK Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-37-20-325 is required.
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