A-87-063
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: ISSUE AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO REQUIRE WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD AN INSPECTION OF THE GREASE SURROUNDING THE TAIL ROTOR TENSION-TORSION BARS (PART NO. 24-55106) ON FAIRCHILD HILLER FH-1100 SERIES HELICOPTERS. IF THE GREASE APPEARS CLEAN, NO FURTHER ACTION SHOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE GREASE IS EXCESSIVELY DARKENED, HAS AN UNPLEASANT ODOR, OR IS OBVIOUSLY CONTAMINATED, THE TENSION-TORSION BAR SHOULD BE INSPECTED BEFORE FURTHER FLIGHT, USING AN APPROVED METHOD, FOR EVIDENCE OF CRACKING IN THE INDIVIDUAL STRAPS OF THE BAR. BARS WITH ANY CRACKS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM SERVICE BEFORE FURTHER FLIGHT. INSTANCES OF CONTAMINATED GREASE OR CRACKS IN THE TENSION-TORSION BAR SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is directed to issue an airworthiness directive requiring an inspection of the grease around the tail rotor tension-torsion bars (part no. 24-55106) on Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 series helicopters. If the grease is clean, no further action is needed; if it is dark, smelly, or contaminated, the bar must be inspected for cracks and any cracked bars removed before further flight. Contaminated grease or cracks must be reported to the FAA.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Reconsidered |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Dec 10, 1987 |
| NTSB number | FTW86LA164 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).