Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and L1 and Model SA330F, G, and J Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-06-04 which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and L1 and Model SA330F, G, and J helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires performing a procedure to determine the angular play of the tail rotor gearbox, and repeating the procedure at certain intervals. This amendment is prompted by an accident involving a Model SA330 helicopter which resulted from the loss of the tail rotor drive. An investigation determined that the loss of the tail rotor drive was caused by excessive play between the tail rotor gearbox bevel gear and the bevel wheel. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the tail rotor gearbox, loss of tail rotor drive, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.