AD 2021-16-02 Prompted By A Report Of A Left-Hand Side Stairway Door That Inadvertently Opened In Flight

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters.

This AD was prompted by a report of a left-hand (LH) side stairway door that inadvertently opened in flight and tore off from its attachment fittings. This AD requires inspecting the locking safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle and depending on the results, corrective action. This AD also requires modifying that locking safety mechanism as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective September 24, 2021.

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0087, dated April 15, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0087), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale, Sud Aviation, Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, if equipped with an LH side stairway door, except helicopters modified in accordance with AH modification (MOD) 07 28281 (AS 332, EC 225) or MOD 07 27338 (SA 330). EASA issued EASA AD 2020-0087 to supersede EASA Emergency AD 2014-0241-E, dated November 4, 2014 (EASA AD 2014-0241-E).

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2021 (86 FR 27535). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an LH side stairway door that inadvertently opened and tore off from its attachment fittings during flight. Subsequent investigation revealed that the affected side stairway door had been recently painted and the paint impaired the external door handle motion, affecting the correct operation of the door locking safety mechanism. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the locking safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle and depending on the results, corrective action. The NPRM also proposed to require modifying the locking safety mechanism.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect locking of the LH side stairway door, which could result in an in-flight opening of the door and subsequent damage to the helicopter or injury to persons on the ground. See EASA AD 2020-0087 for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov