Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Eurocopter France Model SE 3130, SA 3180, SE 313B, SA 318B, and SA 318C helicopters. The existing AD currently requires visual inspections and modification, if necessary, of the horizontal stabilizer spar tube (spar tube). This action would require the same corrective actions as the existing AD but would also require visually inspecting the four half-shell attachment clamps for cracks and fitting a safety wire around the attachment clamps. This proposal is prompted by an in-service report of fatigue cracks that initiated from corrosion pits. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the spar tube, separation of the horizontal stabilizer and impact with the main or tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.