Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-26-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting the tail rotor control rod (control rod) and adjoining ball pivot and replacing any unairworthy parts before further flight. This amendment is prompted by a report of a fatal accident involving the failure of a control rod. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a control rod and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.