AD Issued for Tension Torsion Straps on Various Huey Models

The FAA has adopted a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Bell Textron Inc. Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, and 212 helicopters and various restricted category UH-1 variants with a certain part-numbered tension torsion (TT) straps installed by supplemental type certificate (STC) No. SR03408CH. 

This AD was prompted by an accident involving a Bell Textron Inc. Model 212 helicopter, which experienced a separation of a main rotor blade from the main rotor head and subsequent impact into terrain shortly after takeoff. Initial investigation determined the TT strap failed at 664 hours time-in-service (TIS). Investigations into individual wire failure mechanisms are ongoing with early indications suggesting some wires possibly failed in tensile overload and other in fatigue. 

This AD requires removing affected part-numbered TT straps from service and prohibits installing those TT straps on any helicopter. 

View AD 2024-19-17  to check affected TT part numbers and affected restricted category aircraft models; several models are known to currently be used in aerial application operations.  

This AD is effective October 11, 2024.