05-012 - Cloudburst Fire Buckets manufactured by IMS New Zealand

ATA Chapter: 05

Subject:

This Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) is issued to advise operators and maintainers of inspections required by the manufacturer to ensure the safe operation of affected fire buckets.

Applicability:

This Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) is issued to advise operators and maintainers of inspections required by the manufacturer to ensure the safe operation of affected fire buckets.

Purpose:

This Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) is issued to advise operators and maintainers of inspections required by the manufacturer to ensure the safe operation of affected fire buckets.

Background:

This CAN is prompted by in-flight occurrences of the folding ring becoming detached from the Velcro (hook and loop) retention tabs on certain Cloudburst fire buckets.  Initial information indicates that affected buckets have been in operation for a number of years.

The purpose of the stainless steel flexible folding ring is to ensure that the bucket shape is retained for filling operations, or when empty, partially filled and when full. The folding ring also ensures stable flight characteristics when empty by retaining the bucket shape.  A dislodged folding ring could result in an unstable bucket and an aircraft hazard in flight.  Investigation is ongoing and further action may follow.

Recommendation:

The CAA strongly recommends that operators and maintainers follow the instructions in Cloudburst Fire Bucket Service Information letter (SIL) , dated 6 April 2020 issued by IMS New Zealand, paying particular attention to Items No. 9 and 10 in the SIL, as follows:

1. Inspect the steel folding ring and the bungee cord for any damage and/or defects. The bungee cord must be tight and elastic. If any defects are found, accomplish corrective actions before further use of the bucket.
2. Inspect the Velcro (hook and loop) retention tabs for cleanliness and adhesion. The complete Velcro area must be free from any debris. The Velcro must be joined together over the whole area to ensure maximum retention. Check for acceptable adhesion of the Velcro grip by applying a 30 to 40 kg downward force on the stainless steel ring with one hand and hold the cleat with the other hand. If the Velcro does not hold the ring securely, then a repair must be accomplished before further use of the bucket.

If any safety concerns are identified with affected fire buckets contact IMS New Zealand. Refer to the IMS SIL for contact details.

Cloudburst Fire Bucket Service Information letter, dated 6 April 2020 is available from the IMS New Zealand website at www.imsheli.com(external link)

Note:

If any defects are found with affected Cloudburst fire buckets, or any other fire buckets complete a CA005 Defect Report form and submit the completed form to the CAA at CA005@caa.govt.nz  Please include all findings and any other relevant technical information. A CA005D Defect Report form can be obtained from https://www.aviation.govt.nz/assets/forms/CA005D_Form.pdf.