Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 205A-1 and 205B helicopters. This proposal would require inspecting the vertical fin spar cap (spar cap) for cracking, corrosion, or disbonding, and modifying the vertical fin and replacing the left-hand spar cap. This proposal is prompted by 5 accidents involving helicopters of similar type design. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect fatigue cracking or corrosion on the spar cap, which could lead to failure of the vertical fin spar, loss of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.