Superseded by FAA AD 2022-02-02
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Bell Textron Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, and 212 helicopters must inspect their aircraft for pins part number 204-012-104-005 with serial numbers beginning with "FNFS" and remove them from service before the next flight. Installation of these pins is prohibited as of the directive's effective date. Stakeholders should also review the related Bell Alert Service Bulletins for detailed replacement procedures and submit any comments on the directive by September 23, 2021.
Summary
FAA Airworthiness Directive 2021-15-51 is a final rule addressing unsafe conditions in certain Bell Textron Inc. Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, and 212 helicopters. It targets main rotor hub strap pins, part number 204-012-104-005 with serial number prefix "FNFS", which have been found to shear off during flight, causing detachment of the main rotor blade and head. This directive follows a fatal accident and mandates removal of these pins from service to ensure flight safety.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive requires immediate removal from service of all affected pins with the specified part number and serial number prefix before further flight. It prohibits reinstalling these pins on any helicopter and formalizes the emergency actions previously communicated to operators. The directive also references Bell Textron Alert Service Bulletins that provide detailed instructions for compliance.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure to comply could result in catastrophic rotor detachment and loss of helicopter control, posing severe safety risks. Operators and maintenance organizations must identify and remove defective pins promptly to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance. The directive also highlights the importance of monitoring manufacturer service bulletins and regulatory communications for urgent safety issues.
More for Bell Textron Inc. (Bti) 204B
All 13- EASA AD US-2024-17-02Fuselage — Tailboom Attachment — Inspection / ReplacementOct 31, 2024
- EASA AD US-2024-19-17Rotors Flight Control - Tension Torsion (TT) Straps - Removal / Installation ProhibitionSep 30, 2024
- EASA AD US-2022-20-14Main Rotor Drive - Main Transmission Housing Assembly - InspectionNov 29, 2022
- EASA AD US-2022-22-12NOT ADOPTED - EASA DECISION ATTACHEDNov 10, 2022
- EASA AD US-2022-21-11Main Rotor - Blades - Inspection / Removal from Service
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