Summary
The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters. The NPRM proposed adding six more inspection holes in the aft fuselage skin panels and inspecting the upper and lower tailboom attachment fittings, the upper longerons, and the angles and nutplates for cracks. Also, the NPRM proposed a terminating action of modifying the fuselage aft section to strengthen the tailboom attachments and longerons. Since issuing the NPRM, we have received a report of an in-flight separation of the tailboom in the inspection area. Based on that accident and due to the critical unsafe condition, we issued a final rule; request for comments that addressed the actions proposed in the NPRM. Accordingly, we withdraw the proposed AD.