NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation A-16-009 Urging FAA to Promote Crash-Resistant Fuel System Retrofits

The National Transportation Safety Board, identified by reference number CEN15FA164, has issued safety recommendation A-16-009. This directive is addressed to the Federal Aviation Administration and calls for the issuance of a special airworthiness information bulletin. The proposed bulletin would inform all owners and operators of AS350 B3e aircraft, as well as similarly designed variants, about the availability of a crash-resistant fuel system retrofit kit. The recommendation urges that this safety equipment be installed in existing helicopters as soon as practicable. To further encourage compliance among helicopter owners and operators, the bulletin is also required to discuss the specific helicopter accidents cited in the associated report.