AD 2021-26-14 Retains The Requirements Of AD 2018-11-01 And Requires A Modification For Replacing Aluminum Splices

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-11-01, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters.

AD 2018-11-01 required installing a cut-out for the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) rail support junction profiles and repetitively inspecting splices, frame 5295, and related equipment for a crack. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-11-01, the manufacturer has developed a modification for in-service helicopters for replacing aluminum splices with steel splices on frame 5295. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2018-11-01 and requires a modification for replacing aluminum splices with steel splices on frame 5295 if cracking is found. This AD also provides terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective February 9, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-11-01, Amendment 39-19289 (83 FR 23778, May 23, 2018), (AD 2018-11-01).

AD 2018-11-01 applied to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters with an extended aluminum splice installed on frame 5295, except helicopters with steel splice kit part number 332A08-2649-3072 installed. AD 2018-11-01 required installing a cut-out for the LH and RH rail support junction profiles and repetitively inspecting splices, frame 5295, and related equipment for a crack. AD 2018-11-01 was prompted by reports of cracks on frame 5295 and on splices installed to prevent those cracks. The FAA issued AD 2018-11-01 to address a crack in frame 5295, which if not detected and corrected, could lead to loss of structural integrity of the helicopter frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 22, 2021 (86 FR 58600). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2018-11-01 and require a modification for replacing aluminum splices with steel splices on frame 5295 if cracking is found. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0075, dated March 16, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0075), which supersedes EASA Emergency AD 2014-0098-E, dated April 25, 2014 (EASA Emergency AD 2014-0098-E), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union.

EASA advises that since EASA Emergency AD 2014-0098-E was issued, Airbus Helicopters developed MOD 0728463, available for helicopters in service through the applicable modification service bulletin, providing instructions to replace aluminum splices with steel splices on frame 5295. Airbus Helicopters also issued the applicable inspection alert service bulletins, as defined in EASA AD 2021-0075. Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0075 retains the requirements of EASA Emergency AD 2014-0098-E, which is superseded, and requires a modification, replacing aluminum splices with steel splices on helicopters on which any cracked aluminum splice has been detected. EASA AD 2021-0075 also advises that the modification is terminating action for the repetitive inspections.

FMI: www.regulations.gov