On Tuesday afternoon this week the Accident Investigation Board held a press conference on the status so far of the investigation of the Super Puma accident at Turøy in Hordalan, Norway.

It was then determined then that the accident was most likely caused by a technical error and not human error from the pilots.

After the press conference helicopter manufacturer Airbus sent out an urgent message to all owners of Super Puma aircraft urging several checks including that fastners to the main gearbox are tightened.

Soon after the Airbus alert came a more extensive directive from EASA the European Aviation Safety Agency. The directive can be seen in full below.

EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

Manufacturer(s):
Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale)

Applicability:
EC 225 LP helicopters, all manufacturer serial numbers.

Reason:
This Emergency AD is issued following a fatal accident occurred in Norway on 29 April 2016 to an EC 225 LP helicopter. The partial information available so far indicate in-flight separation of the main rotor hub from the main gearbox (MGB). Investigation is on-going to identify the root cause of this accident.

For the reason described above, this AD requires, as a precautionary measure, to perform certain inspections.

This AD is considered to be an interim action and further mandatory action may follow.

Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s):

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

Before next flight after the effective date of this AD

• 1.1 Check the correct installation of the Front and Right Hand and Left Hand Rear MGB suspension bars in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Helicopters (AH) EC225 Alert Service Bulletin No.53A058.

• 1.2 Check the chip detectors of the MGB for absence of metallic particles in accordance with the instructions of Work Card 60.00.00.212 of AH EC225 Maintenance Manual (MMA).

• 1.3 Perform an oil filter check of the MGB for absence of metallic particles, in accordance with the instructions of Work Card 63.24.01.061 of AH EC 225 MMA and, if any particle is collected, refer to Standard Practices Manual MTC 20.08.02.601.

• 1.4 For helicopters equipped with M’ARMS Vibration Health Monitoring system, download data and check for any threshold exceedance. Ensure availability of these data in case future analysis needed.

Note: For further instructions to accomplish the actions required by paragraph (1.4) of this AD, contact AH.

(2) If, during the inspections as required by paragraphs (1.1), (1.2), (1.3) and (1.4) of this AD, any finding is found, before next flight, report to both Airbus Helicopters and EASA; do not resume flights until corrective action(s) are agreed by EASA.

(3) A single ferry flight with no passengers is allowed to maintenance location where the inspections required by paragraph (1) of this AD can be accomplished.

Ref. Publications:
AH EC225 Alert Service Bulletin No.53A058, dated 03 May 2016.

AH EC225 MMA.

Remarks:
1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD.

2. The results of the safety assessment have indicated the need for immediate publication and notification, without the full consultation process.

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the EASA Safety Information Section, Certification Directorate. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu.

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements in this AD, please contact: Airbus Helicopters (EBSESB) – Aéroport de Marseille Provence 13725 Marignane Cedex, France; Telephone +33 (4) 42 85 97 97; Fax +33 (4) 42 85 99 66; E-mail: Directive.technical-support@airbus.com