2009-03-04: Red disk plug

2009-03-04 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-15805. Docket No. FAA-2008- 0681; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-13-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 27, 2009. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Models Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Eurocopter Deutschland MBB-BK 117 series and Sikorsky S- 76A series helicopters. Reason (d) Turbomeca S.A. has informed EASA of a case of a "red disk'' plug that has been actually installed on an engine which has been subsequently released for service operation. This engine experienced an in-service high pressure leak event (at the fuel pump outlet) due to cracking of this "red disk'' plug. This leak could lead to in- flight flame-out and/or possibly a fire. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks, which could result in a fire and damage to the helicopter. Actionsand Compliance (e) Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Within 100 operating hours from effective date of this AD, perform a one time inspection of the correct reference of the plug installed on the FCU 3-way union (9 932 30 706 0) and verify its torque to be set between 1.3 and 1.5 daN.m in accordance with Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin 292 73 0817. Other FAA AD Provisions (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (g) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0014, dated January 17, 2008, for related information. (h) Contact James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: james.lawrence@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238- 7199, for more information about this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin 292 73 0817, Version C, dated March 13, 2008 to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; telex 570 042; fax 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.