Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS-350B, B1, B2, BA, C, D, D1, and AS 355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS-350B, B1, B2, BA, C, D, D1, and AS 355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters. This action requires measuring the tail rotor pitch change control rod (control rod) outboard spherical bearing for radial and axial play. If the play exceeds 0.008-inch, replacing the control rod with an airworthy control rod is required. This amendment is prompted by one accident and one incident. Investigations revealed a broken control rod on the helicopter involved in the accident and a severely worn control rod on the helicopter involved in the incident. This condition, if not corrected, could result in separation of the outboard spherical bearing ball from its outer race, rubbing of the body of the control rod against the tail rotor blade pitch horn clevis, failure of the control rod, and loss of control of the helicopter.