Summary
This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (Erickson Air-Crane) Model S- 64F helicopters. The AD would require, at specified intervals, certain inspections of the rotating swashplate assembly (swashplate) for a crack. If a crack is found, this AD would also require, before further flight, replacing the swashplate with an airworthy swashplate. This proposal is prompted by a report from the manufacturer of a swashplate cracking during fatigue testing. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent loss of a swashplate due to a fatigue crack, loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.