FAA Proposes Superseding Bell 212/204/205 AD

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive for the Bell 212 and adopting requirements for Bell 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B and 210 helicopters with certain part-numbered main rotor hub inboard strap fittings. The AD requires magnetic particle inspection of the fittings for a crack, and if a crack exists, replacing the fittings with airworthy fittings. It was prompted by reports of additional cracked fittings and the determination that additional part-numbered fittings may not have been manufactured in accordance with approved manufacturing processes and controls. These actions are intended to identify a crack in the fitting, which may lead to the fitting’s failure, loss of a main rotor blade and subsequent loss of the helicopter.