AD Proposed for R44 Belt Tension Clutch Actuator Brackets

The FAA has proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson R44 helicopters with serial numbers (S/Ns) up to 2480 inclusive and 30001 through 30022 inclusive, and R44 II helicopters with S/Ns up to 14089 inclusive.

This AD was prompted by several reports of failed clutch actuators and failed rivets attaching the belt tension clutch actuator brackets to the fan scroll housing. This AD is proposed to detect and address loose and missing brackets and rivets. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in detachment of the bracket, causing failure of the clutch actuator assembly, loss of main and tail rotor drive, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This AD would require, within the lesser of 300 hours time-in-service or 12 months after the effective date: (1) inspection of each A185 bracket for looseness and fretting, (2) inspection of the fan scroll housing fiberglass adjacent to the bracket rivets for delamination, (3) inspection for correctly sized rivets and (4) application of torque stripes to each rivet.

See R44 SL-61B (Dated 16 March 2023) for inspection and corrective action procedures.

Comments on this proposed AD are due August 12, 2024.