The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a further Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Airbus AS332 L and EC225 LP (H225) Super Pumas, calling for a one-time inspection of the main gearbox oil cooler.
The AD is the latest safety action imposed on the Super Puma fleet following the fatal crash of a CHC-operated H225 near Turøy, Norway, on April 29, 2016, which claimed the lives of all 11 passengers and two pilots on board after the main rotor separated from the fuselage.
EASA said it was issuing the AD due to further testing investigation into the accident, which it said had delivered additional results in regard to close monitoring provisions.
“Those results require [EASA] to amend the inspection regime in place with a one-time inspection of the oil cooler to acquire additional information on the condition of the [main gearbox] oil system,” EASA stated in the AD.
The AD (2017-0042) requires operators to inspect the main gearbox oil cooler for the presence of particles in accordance with a specific flushing method approved by EASA, or approved under Airbus’ design organization approval. The inspection must be completed before any second stage planet gear of the main gearbox epicyclic module exceeds 300 flight hours since first installation on the helicopter, or within 10 flight hours after the effective date of the AD — March 1, whichever occurs later.
A full report must be sent to EASA within three days of the inspection.
If, during the inspection, any 16NCD13 (bearing steel) particle is found, operators must report it to both Airbus and EASA, and cannot resume flights until corrective action has been agreed with EASA.
EASA said it considers the AD to be an interim measure, and further AD action may follow.
