Main Rotor — Pitch Link Assembly Clevis Fracture
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Bell 430 helicopters must perform the initial inspections and necessary repairs within 25 hours air time or 30 days from the effective date of 9 August 2021. Following initial compliance, they must conduct repetitive inspections at intervals not exceeding 50 hours for clevises and 150 hours for universal bearings, rectifying any defects found. All actions must follow Bell Alert Service Bulletin 430-21-60 instructions.
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2021-26 addresses a critical safety issue affecting Bell Textron Canada Limited model 430 helicopters, serial numbers 49001 through 49129. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions on the main rotor pitch link assembly clevis and universal bearings to prevent fractures that could lead to loss of helicopter control. This AD was issued following fatal accidents linked to fatigue fractures in the pitch link clevis.
What changed
CF-2021-26 introduces mandatory initial and repetitive inspections of the main rotor pitch link clevises and universal bearings, including detailed visual and magnetic particle inspections. It requires replacement or repair of defective parts based on specific criteria, and establishes inspection intervals of 25 hours or 30 days initially, then repetitive inspections every 50 to 150 hours air time. This is a new regulation aimed at mitigating an identified unsafe condition.
Why it matters
This directive is crucial for aviation professionals as it directly impacts the airworthiness and safety of Bell 430 helicopters. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these inspections and corrective measures to prevent catastrophic failures and ensure compliance with Canadian Aviation Regulations. Failure to comply could result in loss of control incidents and fatal accidents.
More for Bell 430
All 10- EASA AD 2015-0226R8Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist — Test / ReplacementJul 16, 2025
- EASA AD CF-2024-40Main Rotor — Pitch Link Assembly Clevis FractureDec 4, 2024
- EASA AD CF-2010-29R2Hydraulic Power — Servo Actuator Piston Rod — Corrosion and CrackingJul 26, 2022
- EASA AD 2021-0148Equipment & Furnishings — Emergency Flotation System — Rotorcraft Flight Manual (Supplement)Jun 21, 2021
- EASA AD 2020-0039Fire Protection — Hand-held Fire Extinguishers — ReplacementFeb 27, 2020
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