FAA Issues AD for AS332 Gearbox

An airworthiness directive for the Eurocopter AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2 and EC225LP requires inspecting the intermediate gearbox (IGB) fairing for a crack and inspecting the IGB fairing gutter for a crack, separation or interference. The AD was prompted by reports of cracks, separation of the IGB fairing from the gutter and attachment supports, and subsequent interference with the tail-rotor inclined drive shaft, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This AD is effective December 9.