SAIB SW-15-08

FAA Aviation Safety

SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION BULLETIN SUBJ: Robinson R44 Main Rotor Blades SAIB: SW-15-08 Date: February 23, 2015 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin alerts owners and operators of Robinson Helicopter Company model R44 and R44 II helicopters which have installed main rotor blades with part number C016-7 of a fatigue crack occurrence, and suggests a preflight check for signs of a fatigue crack on the trailing edge of the blade.

Background The FAA has received a report from New Zealand of an in-flight failure of the main rotor blade on a Robinson R44 II helicopter which resulted in severe main rotor vibration. The aircraft was difficult to control during the subsequent emergency landing. The New Zealand CAA released Continuing Airworthiness Notice – 62-003 on January 26, 2015 recommending a pre-flight inspection of this area. Robinson Helicopter Company subsequently released R44 Safety Alert C016-7 Main Rotor Blade Crack on February 23, 2015 recommending a preflight visual inspection of the trailing edge of the main rotor blade for any evidence of a fatigue crack initiation.

At this time, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Recommendations As part of the daily preflight inspection, visually check the trailing edge of the main rotor blade on the upper and lower surfaces of the blade (a stepladder may be necessary) for any damage which may initiate a fatigue crack. Check in the area shown on the Robinson Safety Alert C016-7 Main Rotor Blade Crack, dated February 23, 2015. If any damage is detected, the blade should be thoroughly examined by a qualified technician prior to further flight. If unusual rotor system vibration is detected in flight, land immediately and have blades examined by a qualified technician.

It is recommended to report any positive findings to the Robinson Helicopter Company. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the OMB has approved the information collection contained in this SAIB, and assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0731.

For Further Information Contact Fred Guerin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd, Suite 100, Lakewood, California 90712; phone:

(562) 627-5232; fax: (562) 627-5210; e-mail: fred.guerin@faa.gov.

For Related Service Information Contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505, (310) 539-0508, www.robinsonheli.com.