AD 2021-02-20 Prompted By A Report Of A Crack In A Rotating Scissor Fitting

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Hélicoptères Guimbal Model Cabri G2 helicopters.

This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in a rotating scissor fitting. This AD requires an initial and repetitive inspections of certain rotating and non-rotating scissor fittings, and depending on the results, replacing the affected assembly. This AD also prohibits installing certain main rotor hubs (MRHs) and swashplate guides unless the initial inspection has been accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective February 22, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2020-0199, dated September 21, 2020, and corrected September 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0199), to correct an unsafe condition for Hélicoptères Guimbal (HG) Model Cabri G2 helicopters. EASA advises of a report of a crack in a rotating scissor fitting discovered during maintenance. According to EASA, the suspected root cause of the crack was corrosion under residual stress. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting on either the MRH or the swashplate guide, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Accordingly, EASA AD 2020-0199 requires an initial and repetitive inspections of the rotating and non-rotating scissor fittings part number (P/N) G12-00-200 installed on the MRH or swashplate guide, respectively. If a crack is detected, the EASA AD requires replacing the affected MRH or swashplate guide with a serviceable part. The EASA AD prohibits installing certain MRHs and swashplate guides unless the initial inspection has been accomplished. The EASA AD also requires reporting certain information to HG.

FMI: www.regulations.gov