AD 2009-02-08 Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Turmo IV A and IV C Series Turboshaft Engines

This AD applies to Turbomeca Turmo IV A and IV C series turboshaft engines with oil-tank-to-oil-cooler flexible lubrication pipes, part number (P/N) 0 249 92 813 0, or P/N 0 249 92 916 0, or oil-pump-to-intermediate-bearing flexible lubrication pipes, P/N 0 249 92 808 0 installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Eurocopter SA 330F, G, or J PUMA helicopters.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. Initial Actions (f) Before further flight: (1) Identify the curing batch of the flexible lubricating pipes listed in paragraph (c) of this AD. (2) For oil-tank-to-oil-cooler flexible lubrication pipes, P/N 0 249 92 813 0 and P/N 0 249 92 916 0, and for oil-pump-to-intermediate-bearing flexible lubrication pipes, P/N 0 249 92 808 0, with a curing batch of “2T03” (meaning 2nd quarter of 2003), or subsequent batch: (i) Borescope-inspect the pipe for deterioration, visually inspect for oil leakage, and visually inspect the oil filter for black particle deterioration from the pipe. (ii) Replace the pipe with a serviceable pipe, if deterioration or leakage is found. Repetitive Actions (g) Within an additional 25 operating hours, on engines still having an affected flexible lubrication pipe, P/N 0 249 92 813 0, P/N 0 249 92 916 0, or P/N 0 249 92 808 0 installed: (1) Borescope-inspect the pipe for deterioration, visually inspect the pipe for oil leakage, and visually inspect the oil filter for black particle deterioration from the pipe. (2) Replace pipes with serviceable pipes, if deterioration or leakage is found. Terminating Action for Affected Flexible Lubricating Pipes (h) Within 45 days or 50 operating hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, as terminating action to the repetitive inspections required by this AD: (1) Replace oil-tank-to-oil-cooler flexible lubrication pipes, P/N 0 249 92 813 0 and P/N 0 249 92 916 0 that have a curing batch of “2T03” or later, with a serviceable pipe. (2) Replace oil-pump-to-intermediate-bearing flexible lubrication pipes, P/N 0 249 92 808 0 that have a curing batch of “2T03” or later, with a serviceable pipe. Definitions (i) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable oil-tank-to-oil-cooler flexible lubrication pipe is one with a curing batch before April 1, 2003 (before “2T03”), or one incorporating Modification TU 231. Information about Modification TU 231 can be found in Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 249 72 0231. (j) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable oil-pump-to-intermediate-bearing flexible lubrication pipe is one with a curing batch before “2T03” or one incorporating Modification TU 233. Information about Modification TU 233 can be found in Turbomeca MSB No. 249 72 0233. Alternative Methods of

This AD results from: (1) Additional shutdowns caused by flexible oil-pump-to-intermediate-bearing-lubrication pipes, P/N 0 249 92 808 0; and (2) The introduction of a new P/N pipe through Turbomeca Modification TU 231, as a replacement for affected oil-tank-to-oil-cooler flexible lubrication pipes, P/N 0 249 92 813 0 and P/N 0 249 92 916 0; and (3) The introduction of a new P/N pipe through Turbomeca Modification TU 233, as a replacement for affected oil-pump-to-intermediate-bearing flexible lubrication pipes, P/N 0 249 92 808 0. (4) We are issuing this AD to prevent helicopter engine in-flight shutdown of one or both engines resulting in an emergency auto-rotation landing or accident.