Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206L Series Helicopters — Main Rotor Blade Separation In-Flight
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators and maintenance personnel should promptly perform radiographic inspections of affected main rotor blades following Part III of ASB 206L-09-159 Rev A. They should not rely on the wipe check with blue food coloring as a sufficient inspection method. For further information or guidance, stakeholders should contact Transport Canada Civil Aviation or Marcel Gauthier in Continuing Airworthiness.
Summary
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206L Series Helicopters — Main Rotor Blade Separation In-Flight is a Transport Canada Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA 2011-08) addressing main rotor blade failures on Bell 206L series helicopters, including models 206L-1, L-3, and L-4. The alert follows two incidents involving in-flight separation of main rotor blades, one in the United States in 2008 and another in Canada in 2011. It references Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206L-09-159 Rev A, which provides inspection procedures for affected main rotor blades.
What changed
This safety alert introduces a strong recommendation for radiographic (X-ray) inspection of affected Bell 206L main rotor blades as soon as possible, per ASB 206L-09-159 Rev A dated November 13, 2009. It clarifies that the wipe check with blue food coloring solution is not considered an elementary task under Canadian Aviation Regulations. The alert also informs stakeholders of ongoing investigations into the 2011 accident and potential mandatory corrective actions.
Why it matters
The alert is critical for operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams managing Bell 206L series helicopters because main rotor blade failure can lead to catastrophic accidents. Early detection of fatigue cracking through recommended inspections helps prevent in-flight blade separation, enhancing flight safety. Understanding the regulatory stance and inspection requirements ensures compliance and supports proactive risk management.
More for Bell 206L
All 4- EASA AD CF-2020-15Tail Rotor Drive — Failure of Tail Rotor Drive Shaft Coupling Bolted ConnectionsMay 14, 2020
- EASA AD CF-2019-01Standard Practices — Helicopter External Transport System (HETS—¢) - Unapproved Parts, Inadequate Service Life Limits and Maintenance RequirementsJan 10, 2019
- EASA SIB 2007-25WITHDRAWN / CANCELLED - TRANSPORT CANADA AD CF-2007-21R1 AND FAA AD 2007-19-53 HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY EASADec 6, 2010
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Bell 206L, summarized like this page, every Monday.