Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model SA. 315B, SA. 316B, SA. 316C, SA. 319B, and SE. 3160 helicopters. This proposal would require inspecting the main rotor blade cuff attachment fitting in the area of the main rotor blade (blade) attachment bolts for cracks, and removing and replacing the blade if a crack is found. This proposal is prompted by a report of a crack in a main rotor blade cuff attachment fitting/spar assembly that was discovered during fatigue testing by the manufacturer. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of a main rotor blade cuff attachment fitting at a bolt hole location, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.