Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters. This proposed AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The AD MCAI states "EASA issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-0251 and its revisions following a case of total failure and a case of a crack discovered on the support shaft of the sliding door rear roller. Metallurgical and metallographic analyses revealed a nonconformity concerning the heat treatment of the material. Since then, other cases of cracks and failures of the roller support shaft rear attach fitting had been reported. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the loss of the sliding door in flight.''
Separation of a sliding door in flight creates an unsafe condition because the door could come into contact with the rotor system. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address this unsafe condition.