AD 2021-16-20 Prohibits Installing The Affected Part Unless It Is Inspected And Installed Per The AD Requirements

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain PZL Swidnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A helicopters.

This AD requires visually inspecting the bonding on a certain partnumbered fairing installed on a certain part-numbered vibration absorber, improving the bonding if necessary, using improved installation procedures to secure the fairing to the vibration absorber, and removing certain parts from service. This AD also prohibits installing the affected part unless it is inspected and installed per the AD requirements. This AD was prompted by a report of a broken bolt securing the fairing to the vibration absorber that resulted from an incorrect torque value for the nut used to secure the fairing to the vibration absorber. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective August 26, 2021. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 12, 2021.

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has  issued EASA AD 2020-0038, dated February 27, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0038), to correct an unsafe condition for all serial-numbered Wytwórnia Sprzetu Komunikacyjnego (WSK) “PZL-Swidnik” Spólka Akcyjna (S.A.) Model PZL W-3A and PZL W-3AS helicopters. EASA AD 2020-0038 advises that a bolt part number (P/N) 3003A-6-16-3 was found broken on fairing P/N 30.23.015.00.03 installed on vibration absorber P/N 30.23.000.00.04. EASA states further investigations identified that the maintenance instructions detailing how to secure the affected parts did not include the torque value information to tighten the castellated nut P/N 3336A-6. EASA further states that this condition, if not corrected, could lead to detachment of the affected part from the helicopter and its subsequent contact with helicopter stationary or rotary parts, possibly resulting in damage to, and consequent reduced control of, the helicopter.

Accordingly, EASA AD 2020-0038 requires the use of improved installation instructions to secure the affected fairing to the vibration absorber.

FMI: www.regulations.gov