Action
Final rule; request for comments.
Summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. This AD requires, initially and each time the clamps are removed, inspecting for chafing between the electrical wires and the hydraulic lines and, if there is chafing between the wires or lines, before further flight, replacing the unairworthy wires or lines with airworthy wires or lines. Also, this AD requires inspecting each clamp for correct installation, and if a clamp is incorrectly installed or missing, before further flight, correctly installing the clamps. This AD is prompted by chafing between high voltage electrical wiring and hydraulic lines that led to two fires in the top deck of the helicopter, which does not have fire detection nor extinguishing capability. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect any chafing between the electrical wires and the hydraulic lines that could result in a fire and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.