Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS355N Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS355N helicopters. This action requires inspecting the: 4 engine exhaust pipe ejector attachment lugs (lugs) for cracks; starter-generator (S-G) shaft for radial play; S-G attachment flange for cracks; and S-G attachment half- clamps for cracks. This amendment is prompted by 9 reports of S-G damage; 3 reports of the discovery of cracks in the lugs; and 1 report of an in-flight loss of the exhaust pipe ejector. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent separation of an engine exhaust pipe ejector from the helicopter, which could result in a tail rotor strike and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.