Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-05- 06, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. AD 2019-05-06 required replacing the retaining ring, inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly, and, if necessary, replacing the elastomeric energy absorber. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2019-05-06, and also requires a modification or replacement of the hoist cable hook assembly that would terminate the repetitive inspections and retaining ring replacements, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a report that a hook detached from the hoist cable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.