AD 2021-05-06 Prompted By Incidents Of Difficulty Unbuttoning The Extraction Tape On The Windows

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC 155B, EC155B1, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters.

This AD requires inspecting the snap fasteners on the windows. This AD was prompted by incidents of difficulty unbuttoning the extraction tape on the windows. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective April 19, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC 155B, EC155B1, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters with window extraction tape with snap fasteners installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 22, 2020 (85 FR 67313). The NPRM proposed to require inspecting each internal and external snap fastener to determine whether they unbutton by hand. For external snap fasteners that do not unbutton by hand, the NPRM proposed to require replacing the male part of the snap fastener and installing self-gripping tape if it still does not unbutton by hand. Thereafter, the NPRM proposed to require a repetitive inspection of the external extraction tape and self-gripping tape and replacing any tape that is cracked, torn, disintegrated, worn, or missing, and replacing the snap fasteners. For internal snap fasteners that do not unbutton by hand, the NPRM proposed to require installing self-gripping tape and replacing the snap fasteners. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a window to jettison, preventing occupants from exiting the helicopter during an emergency.

The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2015-0149, dated July 23, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0149), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model AS 322 and EC 225 LP helicopters; EASA AD No. 2015-0168, dated August 13, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0168), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters; and EASA AD No. 2015-0169, dated August 13, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0169), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model SA330 J helicopters, equipped with an extraction tape fitted with “press-studs” (snap fasteners) on the windows. Each EASA AD was issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA advises of difficulty unbuttoning the extraction tape during the manufacturing of a helicopter. Investigation concluded that the difficulty was caused by a bad male/female coupling, possibly resulting from miscrimping. This difficulty is known to have occurred on two additional helicopters. EASA states this condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the jettisoning of the helicopter window, possibly affecting the evacuation of passengers during an emergency situation. For these reasons, EASA AD 2015-0149, EASA AD 2015-0168, and EASA AD 2015-0169 require inspecting each press-stud located on the extraction tapes of the window jettisoning system and depending on the findings, installing self-gripping tape and replacing the press-studs.

FMI: www.regulations.gov