AD/EC 135/13 - LH and RH Cable Channel Wire Harnesses (Cth)

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 39.001(1) of CASR 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.

Eurocopter EC 135 Series Helicopters AD/EC 135/13 LH and RH Cable Channel Wire Harnesses 3/2007 TX

Applicability: EC135 and EC635 series helicopters, all models, serial numbers 0005 through 0654. Requirement: 1. Inspect the wire harnesses in the left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) cable channels in accordance with Eurocopter Deutschland EC135 ASB EC135-53A-017 dated 18 January 2007. 2. Modify the LH and RH side channel covers attachments in accordance with ASB EC135-53A-017. 3. Accomplish chafing protection of the wire harnesses in the LH and RH cable channels in accordance with ASB EC135-53A-017. 4. If installed, modify the Co-pilot Collective Lever cover attachments in accordance with ASB EC135-53A-017. 5. If, as a result of the Requirement 1 inspection, wire harnesses are found to be damaged, contact either Eurocopter Deutschland customer service or their Australian agent, Australian Aerospace Ltd customer service for advice regarding an appropriate repair scheme and comply with that advice. Note: EASA AD 2007-0021-E refers. Compliance: For Requirements 1 to 4 inclusive - Within the next 25 hours time in service after the effective date of this directive, but not later than 28 February 2007. For Requirement 5 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection is accomplished. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 24 January 2007. Background: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has received advice that during flight a burning odour was detected in the cabin of an EC135 helicopter. Investigation revealed that the burning odour resulted from an electrical short circuit in the LH cable channel, which caused by a damaged wire harness. The wire harness was damaged by the side channel cover attachment hardware.