EASA 2018-0248

Supersedes an earlier AD requiring a one-time inspection of flapping hinges of the tail rotor (TR) blades and, depending on findings, corrective actions.  The AD stemmed from a report of damage of a flapping hinge link on one of the five tail rotor blades of the tail rotor. An investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause of the damage, but the condition could lead to failure of the flapping hinge link and unbalance of the TR with possible loss of control of the helicopter. Since the AD was issued, it was determined that repetitive replacement (reduction of service life) of affected parts is necessary to ensure that the repeated loads of variable magnitude, expected to be imposed on an affected part during its service life, do not lead to part failure. This AD supersedes EASA AD 2018-0042 and requires repetitive replacement of affected parts and reporting. This AD is considered an interim action and further AD action may follow.