AD 2023-13-08 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

Models named: EC225LP. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, with a left-hand side (LH) engine fuel supply (fuel supply) hose part number (P/N) 704A34416087 or P/N 704A34416101 installed.

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

(1) For helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 installed, within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, visually inspect the LH fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225-71A019, Revision 2, dated May 21, 2021 (ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2). If the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting or if it cannot be determined if the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting, before further flight, borescope inspect the entire length of the inside of the fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in Figures 3 through 5 of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2. (i) If the inside of the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting, before further flight, remove the LH fuel supply hose from service and install an airworthy LH fuel supply hose in accordance with the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2) or (4) of this AD. (ii) If the inside of the LH fuel supply hose does not have any twisting, reinstall the LH fuel supply hose by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b., of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2. (2) For helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 installed, within 1,200 hours TIS or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, modify your helicopter by removing from service LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 and installing LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b., of Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225-28A026, Revision 1, dated May 6, 2022 (ASB EC225-28A026 Rev 1). (3) For helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 previously installed by accomplishing Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225-28A026, Revision 0, dated May 21, 2021, by installation of AH modification 0728745 prior to initial delivery of the helicopter from the manufacturer, or if the previously accomplished installation procedures cannot be determined, accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this AD. (i) Within 15 hours TIS or 7 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS or 7 days, whichever occurs first, inspect the LH fuel supply hose for fuel leakage in the area of each junction nut (items 1a and 1b) as depicted in Figure 1 of ASB EC225-28A026 Rev 1. (A) If there is any fuel leakage, before further flight, remove the LH side engine and tighten each junction nut (items 1a and 1b) of the LH fuel supply hose by applying the torque depicted in Figure 1 of ASB EC225-28A026 Rev 1. (B) If there is no fuel leakage, within 110 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove the LH side engine and tighten each junction nut (items 1a and 1b) of the LH fuel supply hose by applying the torque depicted in Figure 1 of ASB EC225-28A026 Rev 1. (ii) Tightening the junction nuts as required by paragraphs (g)(3)(i)(A) and (B) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection required by paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this AD. (4) For helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 installed, as of the effective date of this AD, you may replace an LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 with an LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 or reinstall an LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 on any helicopter by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b., of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2, until required to install LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, provided one of the conditions in paragraphs (g)(4)(i) through (iii) of this AD is met. (i) If installing, the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 is new (zero total hours TIS). (ii) If reinstalling, before reinstallation, the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 is inspected by accomplishing the actions required by the introductory text of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and the inside of the LH fuel supply hose does not have any twisting. (iii) If reinstalling, the initial delivery of the helicopter from the manufacturer was on or after November 30, 2018, and the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 has never been previously reinstalled. (5) For helicopters with an LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 installed, as of the effective date of this AD, do not remove LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 and replace it with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 and do not install an LH engine with an LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 installed.

This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect installation of the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent restricted fuel flow to the LH engine. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a decrease of the LH engine power when accelerating to a power setting corresponding to One Engine Inoperative power and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.

This AD replaces AD 2021-05-03, Amendment 39-21864 (86 FR 72824, December 23, 2021).