Incident Overview
On June 8, 2015, a maintenance team at EPBC airport discovered a cracked spring pin (Part Number L651M1008217) securing the long fenestron driveshaft end fitting during a scheduled periodic inspection of an Airbus Helicopters/Eurocopter EC-135P2+ helicopter (serial number 0984). The inspection was performed by a certified maintenance organization (PL.145.031). The helicopter, operated by DIM SA, had accumulated 356 flight hours at the time of discovery.
Investigation Details
The operator and the type certificate holder were notified of the finding, with a request for consultation and assistance in identifying the cause of the crack. However, the type certificate holder did not respond by the conclusion of the investigation. The fracture surfaces exhibited no fatigue characteristics, ruling out metal fatigue as the failure mechanism.
Outcome
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation classified the event as an incident. No injuries or fatalities occurred. The exact cause of the spring pin fracture could not be determined, and no safety recommendations were issued.