Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA.315B, SA.316B, SA.316C, SA.319B, and SE.3160 Helicopters

Resumen

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-10-09 which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France Model SA.315B, SA.316B, SA.316C, SA.319B, and SE.3160 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires an initial and recurring inspections of the blade spar for cracks. This amendment is prompted by an accident in which a Model SA.315B helicopter lost a main rotor blade. The cause of the blade failure was fatigue cracking. This condition, if not corrected, could result in separation of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.