Superseded by FAA AD 2022-08-10
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must perform initial and repetitive eddy current inspections on Hamilton Sundstrand 54H60 propeller blades with serial numbers below 813320. Any blade failing inspection must be replaced immediately. The directive became effective on July 20, 2020, and inspections should be scheduled accordingly. Operators should also report any cracked blades as required by the AD.
Summary
FAA Airworthiness Directive 2020-12-07 is a final rule addressing certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 54H60 model propellers installed on aircraft such as the US Marine Corps Reserve KC-130T. It mandates inspections due to blade failures caused by corrosion and intergranular cracking, which previously led to a fatal accident. This directive aims to prevent propeller blade separation and enhance flight safety.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory initial and repetitive eddy current inspections of affected 54H60 model propeller blades with serial numbers below 813320, manufactured before 1971. It requires removal from service of any blades that fail inspection. The directive also incorporates a reporting requirement for cracked blades and references Hamilton Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin 54H60-61-A154 for inspection procedures.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a severe safety risk involving propeller blade failure that can lead to catastrophic accidents. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these inspections to detect and mitigate corrosion and cracking before blade separation occurs. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and reduces the risk of in-flight propeller failure.
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