The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 2017-18R1, recommending that operators of Airbus AS350/EC130 helicopters install crash-resistant fuel systems. EASA said any such approved modifications to in-service aircraft “will reduce the risk of post-crash fires and contribute to increas[ing] the occupant escape time after a survivable crash.” Several FAA- and EASA-approved STC’d fuel system mods are readily available.
Since November 1994, airworthiness standards for rotorcraft establish fuel-system design features intended to minimize fuel leaks and potential fuel ignition sources. These standards, applicable to rotorcraft certified after that date, do not apply to the majority of the AS350/EC130 fleet. An exception is the EC130T2, which complies with these airworthiness standards.
According to EASA, the safety concern described in this SIB—which revises EASA SIB 2017-18 dated Oct. 27, 2017—is not considered to be an unsafe condition that would warrant Airworthiness Directive action. The agency is, however, reviewing the accident data and further recommendations and/or AD actions might follow.