Emergency AD Issued for Bell 505 - National Agricultural Aviation Association

On January 26, the FAA issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2024-02-55 for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters with serial numbers 65011 and subsequent.

This EAD was prompted by reports of cracked vertical stabilizer top end cap assemblies. This condition, if not addressed, could result in the antenna or tuning weight departing from the helicopter and impacting and damaging the tail rotor, resulting in the loss of directional control of the helicopter.

This EAD directs compliance with Transport Canada’s EAD CF-2024-03, requiring a visual inspection of the affected assembly in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 505-24-38 within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) followed by repetitive actions at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, with corrective action required before further flight.