EASA SIB SW-09-30: Enstrom Helicopters - Engine Pylon Failures

What to do

Operators of Enstrom Models F28F, 280F, and 280FX helicopters should review Enstrom Service Information Letter No. 0152 dated May 31, 2001, and conduct inspections as outlined in Enstrom Service Directive Bulletin No. 0108 dated April 16, 2009. If cracks or damage are detected, they should contact Enstrom Customer Service for repair instructions. No specific compliance deadline is mandated by the FAA at this time.

Summary

The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: SW-09-30 issued by the FAA alerts owners and operators of Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Models F28F, 280F, and 280FX about a potential airworthiness concern involving cracks in the engine pylon near the belt tensioning assembly mounting bracket. This bulletin provides information on recent reports of cracked pylons and references previous Enstrom service communications addressing this issue. The bulletin is informational and does not mandate regulatory action.

What changed

This bulletin updates the awareness of cracked engine pylons in Enstrom F28F, 280F, and 280FX helicopters, referencing Enstrom's Service Directive Bulletin No. 0108 issued in April 2009. It highlights recent incidents including an in-flight crack leading to an emergency landing and additional cracks found during inspections. The FAA clarifies that this condition is not currently considered unsafe enough to require an airworthiness directive under 14 CFR part 39.

Why it matters

The information is important for aviation professionals because cracked pylons can increase pilot workload due to vibration and noise, potentially affecting flight safety. Operators and maintenance personnel need to be aware of this issue to ensure timely inspections and repairs, thereby maintaining aircraft reliability and preventing in-flight emergencies. Understanding the condition helps compliance teams monitor ongoing airworthiness without mandatory regulatory burden.