Airworthiness DirectiveSupersededEASA AD CF-2022-68

Fuselage – Tailboom – Loss of Tailboom Attachment Hardware

Superseded. A newer version replaces this document.

Published: Dec 16, 2022
Effective: Dec 29, 2022
Deadline: Dec 29, 2022

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators must perform torque checks of tailboom attachment nuts and detailed visual inspections of attachment fittings and fuselage components within 25 flight hours or 30 days from the directive's effective date. Any failed torque checks require immediate replacement of hardware before further flight, and defects found during inspections must be repaired per Bell's instructions. Inspection results must be reported to Bell Product Support Engineering within 30 days after completion.

Summary

Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2022-68 addresses safety concerns for Bell Textron Canada Limited model 407 helicopters, specifically serial numbers 53000 through 56304. This directive mandates inspections and torque checks of the tailboom attachment hardware to prevent potential loss of tailboom attachment and consequent loss of helicopter control. The directive follows findings from a National Transportation Safety Board investigation into missing tailboom attachment hardware.

What changed

This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory one-time and repetitive torque checks of tailboom attachment nuts, detailed visual inspections of tailboom fittings and related structures, and reporting requirements to Bell Product Support Engineering. It also requires replacement of bolts and nuts if torque values are below specified limits and corrective actions for any detected defects. The directive is considered an interim safety action pending further investigation.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the structural integrity of the tailboom attachment on Bell 407 helicopters, preventing potential in-flight separation and loss of control. Compliance helps mitigate risks associated with fatigue, corrosion, and hardware security, thereby enhancing flight safety and regulatory adherence. It also ensures timely data collection for further safety assessments by Transport Canada and Bell.

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