AD NUMBER: 2009-09-51

MANUFACTURER: Eurocopter France Model EC225LP Helicopters
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2009-09-51

SUMMARY: This AD requires, before further flight, determining if the "CHIP' detector light on the instrument panel (Vehicle Monitoring System Screen) previously illuminated. If the "CHIP' detector light did illuminate and it illuminated because of a metal particle on the magnetic plug of the epicyclic reduction gear module (module) of the main gearbox (MGB), or if you cannot determine from the maintenance records which chip detector caused the "CHIP' detector light to illuminate or whether the detector light stayed illuminated after the "CHIP' detector switch was turned to the "CHIP PULSE' setting, replacing the module with an airworthy module is required before further flight. Also required before further flight is inspecting the MGB module magnetic chip detector electrical circuit and determining whether the system is functioning properly, including whether the "CHIP' detector light annunciates on the instrument panel (Vehicle Monitoring System Screen). Finally, this AD requires replacing the module with an airworthy module if the "CHIP' detector light illuminates, stays illuminated after the "CHIP' detector switch is turned to the "CHIP PULSE' setting, and you determine that a metal particle on the module magnetic plug caused that illumination. This amendment is prompted by a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. EASA notified us of an accident that occurred April 1, 2009 on a Eurocopter Model AS332L2 helicopter and EASA advises that the "cause of the accident seems to be connected with degradation of the epicyclic module of the MGB, the root cause of which is still to be determined.' The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the MGB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

FMI: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/351BFD5C46C78D7C8625768900501FE4?OpenDocument