AD 2003-09-05 68 FR 23190 Active

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Schweizer Aircraft Corporation (Schweizer) Model 269D helicopters. This action requires inspecting each aluminum horizontal stabilizer endplate (endplate) and the attach angles for cracks, fretting, and endplate bending. If fretting is found, as indicated by a powder residue adjacent to a rivet head, installing an inspection hole in the horizontal stabilizer and inspecting the internal structure is required. Replacing unairworthy parts is required before further flight. Finally, reporting any cracked or bent endplate, any cracked attach angles, or fretting to the FAA is required. This amendment is prompted by reports of loose endplates, and one report of an endplate separating from the helicopter during flight. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of an endplate during flight, which could strike the tail rotor and result in loss of control of the helicopter.