Service difficulty report · Skid Tube · Bell 407

Difficulty date
December 2, 1998
Submitted
March 26, 2000
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N402PH
Make and model
Bell 407
Aircraft serial
53159
Part
Skid Tube
Part number
206053184121
Condition
Worn
Location
Mlg
Stage of operation
IN
Nature of condition
O
Precautionary procedure
K

As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.

What was found

ACCELERATED WEAR ON EXTREME HEEL OF SKID TUBES. DUE TO THE TAIL LOW ALTITUDE OF THIS AIRCRAFT MODEL IN A HOVER AND LANDING, THE EXTREME HEEL OF THE SKID OFTEN CONTACTS THE GROUND FIRST. THIS AREA DOESN'T HAVE SKID SHOES OR OTHER PROTECTIVE DEVICES. WITH 800 HOURS TOTAL TIME ON THE AIRCRAFT, THE HEEL OF THE SKIDS HAS WORN 0.020 INCH. THE LIMIT FOR THIS AREA IS 0.025 INCH PER THE BHT 407 MAINTENANCE MANUAL. INSPECTION OF OTHER AIRCRAFT OF THIS MODEL ALSO EXHIBIT THIS ACCELLERATED WEAR. REPORTING TO MANUFACTURER OF THIS PROBLEM. SUBMITTER SUGGESTED CLOSE INSPECTION TO THIS AREA MAY BE REQUIRED.

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