Fuselage Structure — Fretting or Cracking of Airframe Truss Clevis Lower Lug
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must identify affected truss assemblies and perform initial inspections within 100 hours air time or 6 months from the effective date, whichever comes first. If excessive gaps are found, torque adjustments or further corrective actions including repetitive inspections are required. Any damage detected must be repaired or parts replaced before further flight, following the instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Alert Service Bulletin 505-19-12, Revision A.
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2019-35 addresses fretting or cracking issues in the fuselage structure of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited model 505 helicopters, serial number 65011 and subsequent. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions for the airframe truss clevis lower lug to prevent potential structural failure. It applies specifically to the transmission restraint aft attachment hardware and related truss assemblies.
What changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory initial and repetitive inspections of the affected truss assemblies to detect excessive gaps and potential damage. It requires torque adjustments and possible repairs or replacements based on inspection findings. The directive also corrects previously issued service bulletin torque values and establishes ongoing monitoring to prevent structural failures.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the structural integrity of the Bell 505 helicopter fuselage, preventing loss of control due to clevis lower lug failure. Compliance reduces the risk of in-flight failures caused by fretting or cracking, thereby enhancing flight safety and maintaining regulatory compliance. It also guides maintenance teams on proper inspection intervals and corrective procedures.
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- EASA AD CF-2025-35Levelling and Weighing — Aft Moveable Ballast Box Assembly Door Hinge FailureJul 9, 2025
- EASA AD CF-2025-32
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