SN007 – Inspection After Tail Boom Strike
In the event of a tail boom strike, the tail boom should be inspected carefully for cracks. Fatigue cracks that are not apparent at the time of the incident may appear later, so the tail boom should be inspected regularly. Pay particular attention to the mounting plate welds. Because of the weight of the tail rotor assembly, this area would have absorbed the most stress in any impact of the tail boom.
Additionally, tail rotor blades should be inspected for cracks, especially around the bolt holes.
If the incident damaged the tail rotor blades, the helicopter should not be flown under any circumstances until the tail rotor assembly can be overhauled. The tail rotor spindle is manufactured of titanium, which becomes brittle when sudden stress is applied.
If there is any question about the integrity of the tail boom, tail rotor assembly, or tail rotor blades, please contact the factory before flight.
