Applicability: Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, and AS 332 L1 helicopters, equipped with following main rotor head spindles, Part Numbers (P/N): 332A31-1390-all dash numbers, or 332A31-1398-all dash numbers, or 332A31-1410-all dash numbers, or 332A31-1485-all dash numbers.

Requirement:

• Main rotor heads fitted with spindles P/N 332A31-1390-all dash numbers, or P/N 332A31-1398-all dash numbers: Check that there is no crack in the material section of the spindle yokes, in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.67.
• Main rotor heads fitted with spindles P/N 332A31-1410-all dash numbers, or P/N 332A31-1485-all dash numbers: Check that there is no crack in the material section of the spindle yokes, in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.67.

If cracking is detected in the material section during any check of the spindle yokes, before further flight, remove and replace the sleeve/spindle assembly in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of ASB No. 05.00.67. Before installation on a helicopter of a spindle held as spares that has logged operating hours since new or last overhaul, accomplish the check for cracks in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of ASB No. 05.00.67.

Note: EASA Emergency AD 2006-0327-E refers.

Compliance:

1. Within 5 flight hours after 25 October 2006, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5 flight hours.
2. Within 10 flight hours after 25 October 2006, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 flight hours.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 October 2006.

Background: The EASA received a report of the failure of the lower material section on the leading edge of a main rotor head spindle yoke on an AS 332 L helicopter. The crack which led to the failure was externally visible.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au