AD 2021-17-13 Prompted By A Report Of A Damaged Wheel Braking System Pneumatic Line Fitting

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

This AD was prompted by a report of a damaged wheel braking system pneumatic line fitting installed on the left-hand (LH) main landing gear (MLG) leg. This AD requires modifying the LH MLG leg. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective September 7, 2021.

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0274, dated December 13, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0274), to correct an unsafe condition for Wytwórnia Sprzetu Komunikacyjnego (WSK) “PZL-Swidnik” Spólka Akcyjna (S.A.) Model PZL W-3A helicopters. EASA advises that damage was reported of the wheel braking system pneumatic line fitting installed on the LH MLG leg. Subsequent investigation determined that the wheel braking system pneumatic line fitting damage was caused by an impact of a load hoisted by the rescue hoist. This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of MLG wheel braking capability, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during a roll-on landing.

Accordingly, EASA AD 2018-00274 requires, for helicopters equipped with a rescue hoist, modification of the LH MLG leg by installing shield assembly part number (P/N) 37.96.204.00.00.

EASA AD 2018-0274 also specifies that for helicopters not equipped with a rescue hoist, installation of a rescue hoist is permitted provided that the helicopter is also modified by installing the shield assembly.

FMI: www.regulations.gov