AD 2005-26-13 Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Artouste III Series Turboshaft Engines

This AD applies to Turbomeca Artouste III B, B1, and D series turboshaft engines with injection wheels part numbers (P/Ns) 218.25.700.0, 218.25.704.0, 243.25.709.0, 243.25.713.0, 0.218.27.705.0, 0.218.27.709.0, and 0.218.27.713.0. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Eurocopter SA 315 LAMA and SA 316 Alouette III helicopters.

Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done. Smoke Check (f) Following every engine ground shutdown, do the following using Turbomeca Artouste III Service Bulletin (SB) No. 218 72 0099, dated September 14, 1998: (1) After every flight, check for smoke emissions through the exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during rundown and after every engine shutdown. If a smoke emission has been noticed, check the fuel system before the next flight to identify the origin of the smoke emissions. (2) If smoke is not detected, no action is required until the next engine ground shutdown. (3) If smoke is detected, inspect for fuel flow in accordance with paragraph 2.B.(1) and 2.B.(2) of the referenced SB. (i) If fuel flow is not detected, prior to further flight, remove the engine from service and replace with a serviceable engine. (ii) If fuel flow is detected, remove the electric fuel cock from service and replace with a serviceable part in accordance with section 2.B.(4) and 2.B.(5) of the referenced SB. (iii) Before entry into service, perform an engine ground run and check the fuel system again for smoke emissions through the exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during engine rundown and after shut-down; if smoke emissions still remain after replacement of the electric fuel cock, prior to further flight, remove the engine from service and replace with a serviceable engine. (g) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable engine is defined as an engine that does not exhibit smoke emissions. Central Labyrinth Inspection (h) Perform checks and inspections of the central labyrinth and, if necessary, replace the central labyrinth, using paragraph 2 of Turbomeca Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A218 72 0100, Update 2, dated January 23, 2004, and the following Table 1: Table 1.—Inspection Schedule Initial inspection Repetitive inspection Prior to 1,750 hours Time-Since-New or 1,750 hours Time-Since-Last Inspection (TSLI), or 50 hours from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later 1,750 hours TSLI. Alternative Methods of

This AD results from reports and analyses of in-flight engine shutdowns occurring since we issued AD 2002-22-11. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent injection wheel cracks and excessive central labyrinth wear, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown and possible loss of the helicopter.