AD 98-09-02 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems Model 369 (YOH-6A), 369A (OH-6A), 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, and 500N Helicopters

Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, [[Page 19655]] 369HS, 500N, YOH-6A, and OH-6A helicopters, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (c) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

Required within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the overrunning clutch assembly outer race, which could result in loss of engine drive to the rotor system and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) Inspect the overrunning clutch outer race, part number (P/N) 369A5352, to determine its serial number (S/N) in accordance with paragraphs A through C of the Accomplishment Instructions contained in McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems Service Information Notice HN-215.2, DN-156.2, EN-46.2, FN-34.2, NN-010, dated March 18, 1997 (service information notice). (b) Remove any overrunning clutch outer race, P/N 369A5352, having a S/N of 0692 through 0927, and replace it with an airworthy overrunning clutch outer race, P/N 369A5352-5, together with a wave washer, P/N W1593-018, in accordance with the service information notice. (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (e) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems Service Information Notice HN-215.2, DN-156.2, EN-46.2, FN-34.2, NN-010, dated April 11, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, Technical Publications, Bldg. 530/B11, 5000 E. McDowell Road, Mesa, Arizona 85205-9797. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 6, 1998. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 14, 1998. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-10461 Filed 4-20-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U