AD 2022-22-12 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc., Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Leonardo S.p.a., and Various Restricted Category Helicopters

Models named: 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, 412EP, 214B. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to the helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD with a Dart Aerospace Ltd. high gear forward crosstube part number (P/N) D212- 664-101 or P/N D212-664-101B installed under Supplemental Type Certificate No. SR01298NY: (1) Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, certificated in any category; (2) Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters, certificated in any category; (3) Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters, certificated in any category; and (4) Various restricted category helicopters: (i) Model HH-1K helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Rotorcraft Development Corporation; (ii) Model TH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Robinson Air Crane Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.; (iii) Model TH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation; (iv) Model UH-1A helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; (v) Model UH-1B helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, International Helicopters, Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Red Tail Flying Services, LLC; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and WSH, LLC (type certificate previously held by San Joaquin Helicopters); Note 1 to paragraph (c)(4)(v): Helicopters with an SW204 or SW204HP designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH-1B helicopters. (vi) Model UH-1E helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Smith Helicopters; and West Coast Fabrications; (vii) Model UH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, AST, Inc.; California Department of Forestry; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.; (viii) Model UH-1H helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; JJASPP Engineering Services LLC; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.; Note 2 to paragraph (c)(4)(viii): Helicopters with an SW205 designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH-1H helicopters. (ix) Model UH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and (x) Model UH-1P helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions in paragraph (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD. (i) Determine the total number of landings on the forward crosstube. For the purposes of this AD, a landing is counted anytime a helicopter contacts the ground regardless of the duration of the landing and regardless of whether the engine is shutdown. If the total number of landings cannot be determined, calculate the total number of landings by multiplying the total hours time-in-service on the forward crosstube by 10. (ii) For a forward crosstube that has accumulated 20,000 or more total landings or if the total number of landings of a forward crosstube cannot be calculated as required in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, before further flight, remove the forward crosstube from service. (2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your helicopter, the requirements (airworthiness limitations) specified in Chapter 4—Airworthiness Limitations (04-00-00), approved March 23, 2022, of Dart Aerospace Ltd., Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, ICA-D212-664, Crosstube Installation, Revision 12, dated September 30, 2021.

This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service failures of forward crosstubes due to fatigue damage and the issuance of newly established life limits. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of a forward crosstube, which could result in collapse of the landing gear and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during landing.

None.