Attention:
Owners, operators and maintainers of Robinson Helicopter model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner helicopters
| Issuing Office: | Continuing Airworthiness |
|---|---|
| File Classification No. : | Z 5000-35 |
| RDIMS No. : | 12601220 |
| Document No. : | CASA 2017-01 |
| Issue No. : | 01 |
| Effective Date: | 2017-02-22 |
Purpose:
The purpose of this Civil Aviation Safety Alert is to alert owners and operators of Robinson Helicopter model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner helicopters of possible fatigue cracks on part number A016-6 main rotor blades and to recommend inspections of the blades.
Background:
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) has been made aware of a report from an Australian R22 Beta II helicopter operator who conducted an emergency landing after encountering severe vibrations in flight.
Further investigation determined that one of the main rotor blades had cracked in flight.
The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has released airworthiness bulletin AWB 62-006 relating to the R22 rotor blade cracks.
Recommended Action:
Robinson Helicopter has released R22 Safety Alert “A016-6 Main Rotor Blade Crack” which recommends a pre-flight visual inspection for possible damage and/or cracks of the rotor blade.
TCCA strongly recommends that owners and operators visually inspect the trailing edge of the rotor blade area as described in the R22 Safety Alert A016-6. The Safety Alert also notes that if unusual vibration is detected in flight, land immediately and have the blades examined by a qualified technician.
TCCA also recommends that owners and operators review the recommendations in the Australian CASA AWB 62-006 which complement those in the Robinson Safety Alert.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and TCCA are currently monitoring the investigation and further airworthiness corrective action may be warranted.
Defects, malfunctions and failures occurring on aeronautical products are to be reported to Transport Canada, Continuing Airworthiness in accordance with CAR 521 division IX, mandatory Service Difficulty Reporting.
Contact Office:
For more information concerning this issue, contact a Transport Canada Centre; or contact Ross McGowan, Continuing Airworthiness in Ottawa, by telephone at 888-663-3639 or by fax at 613-996-9178, or by e-mail at CAWWEBFeedback@tc.gc.ca.
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Rémy Knoerr
Chief
Continuing Airworthyness
The Transport Canada Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) is used to convey important safety information and contains recommended action items. The CASA strives to assist the aviation industry's efforts to provide a service with the highest possible degree of safety. The information contained herein is often critical and must be conveyed to the appropriate office in a timely manner. The CASA may be changed or amended should new information become available.
Robinson R22 Main Rotor Blade Fatigue Cracks
(PDF 44 KB)