AD/S-76/70 - Main Rotor Spindle Attachment Bolt (Cth)

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

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters

AD/S-76/70 Main Rotor Spindle Attachment Bolt 13/2002

Applicability: Model S-76A, S-76B, and S-76C helicopters; except those having a serial number of 760501, or 760506 through 760515.

Requirement: Inspect in accordance with Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-65-52, dated 24 July 2001.

Note: FAA AD 2002-21-07 Amdt 39-12913 refers.

Compliance: Within 1,250 hours time in service or 2 years after 26 November 2002, whichever occurs first; unless already accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 26 December 2002.

Background: The actions requir ed by this Directive are prompted by the discovery of improper bolts installed on a helicopter during its production. Having incorrect bolts installed could result in reduced hub or bolt fatigue life, separation of the main rotor blade at the spindle attachment, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

David Alan Villiers Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 15 November 2002