55-25-04: Tail Cone Skin Reinforcements

55-25-04 SIKORSKY: Applies to All Model S-55 Helicopters. Compliance required as indicated. A recent failure of the tail cone skin in the area where the tail cone is spliced to the fuselage has been reported in a Model S-55 helicopter. Since this is the means of attaching the tail cone to the fuselage and to preclude further failures, the following inspections and reinforcements for the splice area are considered necessary. 1. Tail cones with less than 1,500 hours, add reinforcements at the next major inspection or within the next 150 hours. 2. Tail cones with 1,500 hours to 2,000 hours, inspect the skin for cracks at the next major inspection or within the next 150 hours. If no cracks are found, add reinforcements. If cracks are found, replace the skin and add reinforcements. 3. Tail cones with 2,000 hours or more, inspect the skin for cracks at the next intermediate inspection or within the next 50 hours. If no cracks are found, add reinforcements. Ifcracks are found, replace the skin and add reinforcements. 4. The inspection procedures to be followed, the reinforcements to be added and the method of attaching the reinforcements are explained in detail in Sikorsky Information Circular No. 1420-632.