096/95

The following comments are made in response: (a) I do not intend to adopt the recommendation in the broad terms in which it is framed, but to focus on the known failure through an "Alert Airworthiness Directive". (b) The Airworthiness Directive, attached, is mandatory and effective immediately on receipt. (c) The reason for not adopting Recommendation 096/95 in the terms framed by TAIC is that Robinson R22 helicopters are granted New Zealand Certificates of Airworthiness based on the acceptance of the Type Certificate issued by the certificating authority in the country of design and manufacture i.e. The Federal Aviation Administration in the USA.

The initiating cause to which this accident has been attributed has been identified as de-bonding of a tail rotor blade in flight. This is not seen as being an appropriate reason for the validity of Certificates of Airworthiness, issued for Robinson R22 helicopters currently included in the New Zealand aircraft register, to be reviewed.

However, on 2 November 1995 all Robinson R22 helicopter owners were notified of the relevant accident findings up to that date and were recommended to accomplish close visual inspection of all installed tail rotor blades. A copy of this notice was also sent to TAIC. Owners were requested to immediately notify CAA of any defects found. No reports have so far been received.

Further action has today been initiated, when more information concerning the origin of the failed blade became available from the manufacturer. (See DCA/R22/29).