Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France)

We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the Fenestron to tailboom junction frame (junction frame) for a crack. This AD is prompted by reports of a crack propagating through the junction frame on two EC130B4 helicopters. These actions are intended to detect a crack and to prevent failure of the junction frame, which could result in loss of the Fenestron and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.