Airworthiness Directive AD 2020-07-15, PZL Swidnik S.A. Helicopters

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

This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked nose landing gear (NLG) bellcrank assembly. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the NLG bellcrank assembly for discrepancies and replacement if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This AD becomes effective April 29, 2020.

Discussion: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0035-E, dated February 6, 2018; corrected March 16, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all PZL-Swidnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A helicopters. The MCAI also applies to PZLSwidnik S.A. Model PZL W-3AS helicopters, which are not type certificated in the U.S. EASA advises that cracking in a NLG bellcrank assembly, part number (P/N) 30.42.010.01.00, was due to reduced wall thickness, which resulted from a manufacturing deficiency. EASA advises that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the NLG, possibly resulting in damage to the helicopter and injury of the occupants. To address this potentially unsafe condition, EASA requires a one-time inspection of the affected NLG assembly installed on helicopters currently in service and replacement if necessary. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0363.

FMI: www.faa.gov