27-019-Revision-2 - Guimbal Cabri G2 Main Rotor Pitch Link Assembly Cracking

ATA Chapter: 27

Subject:

The purpose of this Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) is to alert operators and maintainers of Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters of a possible safety issue with the main rotor flight control pitch links.

Applicability:

All Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters.

Purpose:

The purpose of this Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) is to alert operators and maintainers of Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters of a possible safety issue with the main rotor flight control pitch links.

Note:

This CAN is issued to raise awareness of the instructions in Guimbal SB 21-006 revision B, dated 20 April 2021, which provides inspections and preventative maintenance actions related to the safety concern identified in this
CAN.

This CAN at revision 2 draws attention to the recent issue of EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 2023-01 applicable to Cabri G2 helicopters. The SIB provides important engineering data regarding cracks found in the
swaged area of the main rotor pitch link rods which operators should be aware of.

EASA SIB 2023-01 can be obtained on the CAA website at: Other authorities' airworthiness advisories.

Background:

The CAA recently received a report from a New Zealand operator of a Guimbal Cabri G2 of finding cracks in all three main rotor pitch link assemblies (IPC Ref 4.1-02 #24 P/N G41-01-100).  The cracks were found in the swaged end of each pitch link, running lengthwise to the rod. Refer to the photo below for further details.

Recommendation:

The CAA recommends that aircraft operators comply with the following:

1. When carrying out pre-flight inspections pay extra attention to the lower (swaged) end of the pitch link assemblies for any indication of corrosion, paint cracking, or surface anomalies. If any indications of cracks are identified, then a maintenance engineer should inspect the pitch link assemblies. If engineers identify any crack-like indications after referral, or during scheduled maintenance, they should further inspect the rods to determine if a crack is present.
2. Operators are advised to review the instructions in Guimbal SB 21-006B, which provides inspections and preventative maintenance actions related to main rotor pitch link assemblies.

If any cracking is found, please send details to CAA using form CAA005D.