AD/BELL 222/23 - Swashplate Rotating Ring Drive Pins - Torque Test (Cth)

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 222 Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 222/23 Swashplate Rotating Ring Drive Pins - Torque Test

Applicability: Bell (BHTC) Model 222 helicopters, serial numbers:

1. Model 222 S/N 47006 through 47089

2. Model 222B S/N 47131 through 47156

3. Model 222U S/N 47501 through 47574

4. Model 230 S/N 23001 through 23038

9/99 DM

Requirement: Perform a torque test to determine the proper fit between the drive pin and the swashplate in accordance with the applicable service bulletin (see below):

Helicopter Model Applicable Alert Service Bulletin

222 and 222B 222-99-84

222U 2222U-99-55

230 230-99-16

Note: Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF 99-16 dated 09 June 1999 refers.

Compliance: Within 55 flight hours of the effective date of issue of this Directive but no later than 30 September 1999.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 14 July 1999.

Background: Investigation into the crash of a Model 222 helicopter revealed that one of the two swashplate rotating ring drive pins P/N 222-010-455-003 had failed. The fatigue failure was attributed to an insufficient interference fit between the pin and the swashplate ring. This directive mandates an initial inspection to identify correct fit between the pin and the swashplate ring. Recurring inspections will be incorporated by revision of the appropriate maintenance manuals.