AD 59-09-04
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Boeing Defense & Space Group | 44A | Airworthiness Directives; VERTOL Models 44A, B, and C Helicopters |
| aircraft | Boeing Defense & Space Group | 44B | Airworthiness Directives; VERTOL Models 44A, B, and C Helicopters |
Unsafe Condition
Failure of the low velocity fan disc assembly, P/N 42P6422, due to cracks originating at the blade retaining bolt hole in the disc flange forward face, progressing radially and circumferentially, leading to separation of the disc portion with fan blades and fuselage damage.
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Required Actions
Retire fan disc assemblies P/N 42P6422 at 400 hours' time. Alternatively, by 400 hours' time, remove spinner P/N 42P6420, inspect disc flange for cracks, reassemble with AN 960-416 washers, conduct inspections every four flight-hours, and retire/mutilate if cracks found.
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Compliance Time
no later than May 15, 1959
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Affected Aircraft
Boeing Defense & Space Group Models 44A, B, and C Helicopters
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Federal Register Abstract
Fan Disc Assembly
Applicability Source Text
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AD Final Rules - DRS_59-09-04.html Copy URL Print/Save as PDF Document Versions Feedback Details AD Number: 59-09-04 Document Type: AD Final Rules Docket Number: Unknown Subject Heading: Airworthiness Directives; VERTOL Models 44A, B, and C Helicopters Subject: Fan Disc Assembly Status: Current Citation: This information is not available. Citation Publish Date: Effective Date: Make: Boeing Defense & Space Group Model: 44A | 44B Product Type: Aircraft Product Subtype: Rotorcraft Affected AD: Superseded AD: Affected By: Superseded By: Service/Office: Office of Primary Responsibility: CFR Part Reference: Part 39 Comments: AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 59-09-04 CITATION: This information is not available. PAGE NUMBER: DOCKET NUMBER: Unknown AMENDMENT: AD NUMBER: 59-09-04 SUBJECT HEADING: Airworthiness Directives; VERTOL Models 44A, B, and C Helicopters ACTION: SUMMARY: DATES: ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: REGULATORY TEXT: 59-09-04 VERTOL: Applies to all Models 44A, B, and C Helicopters. Compliance required as indicated, but no later than May 15, 1959. (1) A failure of the low velocity fan disc assembly, P/N 42P6422, has recently been experienced in a Vertol 44 helicopter. The failure originated as a crack at the blade retaining bolt hole in the disc flange forward face, progressing radially into the flange and disc radius and continuing circumferentially in the radius area for 14 to 16 inches. This portion of the fan disc, containing six fan blades, then separated from the fan and was thrown through the left-hand side of the fuselage. (2) To preclude recurrence of said failures, fan disc assemblies, P/N 42P6422, must be retired at 400 hours' time. (3) It is permissible to operate the fan to 500 hours, providing the following requirements are complied with at, or before, 400 hours' time: a. Remove spinner, P/N 42P6420. b. Visually inspect the disc flange in the blade retaining bolt hole area for evidence of cracks. c. Reassemble, adding AN 960-416 washers under the 32 nuts in place of removed spinner. (The spinner must not be reinstalled, to facilitate future inspections.) d. Inspect the above-mentioned areas for evidence of cracks every four (4) flight-hours. e. Any evidence of cracks will be cause for immediate retirement of the fan disc assembly. Fans removed from service because of cracks will be destroyed or mutilated so as to preclude the possibility of their being returned to service. (Vertol Service Department Technical Memorandum No. 1901 covers this same subject.) FOOTER:
Document Text
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AD Final Rules - DRS_59-09-04.html Copy URL Print/Save as PDF Document Versions Feedback Details AD Number: 59-09-04 Document Type: AD Final Rules Docket Number: Unknown Subject Heading: Airworthiness Directives; VERTOL Models 44A, B, and C Helicopters Subject: Fan Disc Assembly Status: Current Citation: This information is not available. Citation Publish Date: Effective Date: Make: Boeing Defense & Space Group Model: 44A | 44B Product Type: Aircraft Product Subtype: Rotorcraft Affected AD: Superseded AD: Affected By: Superseded By: Service/Office: Office of Primary Responsibility: CFR Part Reference: Part 39 Comments: AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 59-09-04 CITATION: This information is not available. PAGE NUMBER: DOCKET NUMBER: Unknown AMENDMENT: AD NUMBER: 59-09-04 SUBJECT HEADING: Airworthiness Directives; VERTOL Models 44A, B, and C Helicopters ACTION: SUMMARY: DATES: ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: REGULATORY TEXT: 59-09-04 VERTOL: Applies to all Models 44A, B, and C Helicopters. Compliance required as indicated, but no later than May 15, 1959. (1) A failure of the low velocity fan disc assembly, P/N 42P6422, has recently been experienced in a Vertol 44 helicopter. The failure originated as a crack at the blade retaining bolt hole in the disc flange forward face, progressing radially into the flange and disc radius and continuing circumferentially in the radius area for 14 to 16 inches. This portion of the fan disc, containing six fan blades, then separated from the fan and was thrown through the left-hand side of the fuselage. (2) To preclude recurrence of said failures, fan disc assemblies, P/N 42P6422, must be retired at 400 hours' time. (3) It is permissible to operate the fan to 500 hours, providing the following requirements are complied with at, or before, 400 hours' time: a. Remove spinner, P/N 42P6420. b. Visually inspect the disc flange in the blade retaining bolt hole area for evidence of cracks. c. Reassemble, adding AN 960-416 washers under the 32 nuts in place of removed spinner. (The spinner must not be reinstalled, to facilitate future inspections.) d. Inspect the above-mentioned areas for evidence of cracks every four (4) flight-hours. e. Any evidence of cracks will be cause for immediate retirement of the fan disc assembly. Fans removed from service because of cracks will be destroyed or mutilated so as to preclude the possibility of their being returned to service. (Vertol Service Department Technical Memorandum No. 1901 covers this same subject.) FOOTER:
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Retrieved: Apr 8, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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